Key Points:
- Google is working on a fix for blurry Nest Cam and Doorbell livestreams in the Home app.
- iPhone users with iOS 18 Beta can now use basic RCS features in Google Messages conversations but with some limitations.
- End-to-end encryption is not available in RCS conversations between iPhones and Android phones using Google Messages.
Clearer Nest Cam Livestreams Coming Soon
Many Nest Cam and Doorbell owners have been experiencing blurry or low-resolution live feeds in the Google Home app over the past few weeks. Thankfully, Google has acknowledged the issue and is actively working on a fix. This problem only affects live streams; recorded videos remain unaffected. While the exact cause is unclear, it appears to be a server-side issue impacting some users more than others.
Early Look at iPhone RCS Messaging with Google Messages
Apple’s recent iOS 18 Beta rollout included support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in the Messages app for users in the US. This allows for a more feature-rich messaging experience when using Google Messages to chat with iPhone users. Features like delivery and read receipts, typing indicators, and higher-resolution image and video sharing now function within these conversations.
However, it’s important to note that this initial implementation has limitations. End-to-end encryption, a key security feature in Google Messages, is currently unavailable in RCS conversations between iPhones and Android phones. Additionally, some settings are missing when using Google Messages to chat with iPhone users in a group conversation. These limitations are likely to be addressed in future updates before the official iOS 18 release this fall.
Overall, this initial integration of RCS messaging between iPhones and Google Messages on Android is a positive step towards a more unified messaging experience. While some security features are missing for now, users can still enjoy the benefits of RCS features like improved media sharing and message delivery information.
