No App Needed! Video Calling To Start Directly From Your Phone Messages

New Delhi: A big change is about to come in the world of mobile messaging. Preparations have now been made to make Rich Communication Services (RCS) more advanced. GSMA has announced its new version RCS Universal Profile 4.0, in which many such features have been added that till now were available only in different apps.

What is RCS and what is new added to it now?

RCS is not a new system. It was introduced by the GSMA in 2008 as a secure messaging option. Its purpose was to give SMS a better and smarter look. Now in the new update it has been made more powerful. With RCS Universal Profile 4.0, users are going to get many new experiences along with messaging, due to which it can compete with apps like WhatsApp.

Now can video calls be started through messaging only?

The biggest feature of this update is the new feature of video calls. Now users will be able to start video calls directly from the chat window. For this MIVC i.e. Messaging-Initiated Video Calling will be used. This feature will work not only between two people but also in group chat. If someone wants to join after the call has started, they can join later as well.

Will the messaging experience also change?

Text messaging has also been improved in the new version. Now users will be able to send their messages in styles like bold, italic or strikethrough. This means that now it will be easier to send more expressive messages instead of simple text. Also, if the other person is using an old device, he will also see a simple version of the message.

Will photo, video and audio quality also improve?

Media sharing has also been improved in RCS 4.0. Now photos, videos and audios can be sent in better quality than before. This may reduce the need for users to rely on separate apps.

What will change in business messaging?

Special features for companies have also been added in this update. Now businesses will be able to use ‘Rich Cards’ in messages, which will include videos, links and interactive content. Users will be able to watch videos or get information without leaving the app. However, they can be sent to other apps or platforms for purposes like payments.

Will all users get these features now?

At present, it is offered only as standard. Big platforms like Google and Apple have not yet announced its implementation. Therefore, users may have to wait for some time for these features.

What does this change mean?

If this update were fully implemented, the way mobile messaging can change significantly. Users will get the experience of chat, video calls, and rich media on a single platform, which may reduce the need for separate apps.