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United States of America (USA)
Samsung is replacing its messages app with Google Messages from now
Samsung and Google have solidified their partnership over the last few years and now we are seeing some big changes from the South Korean brand.
Samsung recently announced that it will be replacing its pre-loaded Samsung Messages app with Google Messages as the default RCS/SMS app in the US. Starting with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Messages will no longer come pre-installed on Galaxy smartphones.
“The rollout is currently limited to the US market and we look forward to sharing more details about the update in the coming months,” a Samsung spokesperson told Android Authority.
“Samsung and Google have been closely working together on many communication service areas, and this joint effort to make Google Messages the default common messaging platform for the Android mobile ecosystem will speed up the adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS) and provide Galaxy users with a more robust and engaging mobile messaging experience,” the spokesperson added.
This move by the South Korean tech giant is part of a gradual shift that started with the Galaxy S22 series, which debuted in 2022 and aligns with Google’s push for Rich Communication Services (RCS).
RCS is the modern version of messaging standard that is looking to replace the traditional SMS service and enable messages to be sent and received via the Internet. It offers features such as high-quality media sharing, voice notes, typing indicators and more. Google Messages supports RCS functionality across all carriers, whereas Samsung Messages appears to be network-dependent.
However, the Samsung Messages app will remain available for users to download from the Galaxy Store. Samsung recently launched its new foldables at the Unpacked event earlier this month. In India, the pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts from Rs 1,64,999 for the 256GB base variant, while the 512GB and 1TB models cost Rs 1,76,999 and Rs 2,00,999, respectively. While the Galaxy Z Flip 6 costs Rs 1,09,999 for the 256GB model and Rs 1,21,999 for the 12GB + 512GB variant.
The Z Fold 6 features a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The outer screen has a 6.3-inch HD+ resolution Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. The Z Flip 6, on the other hand, boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the cover screen measures 3.4-inch with a Super AMOLED panel but supports a 60Hz refresh rate only.
