Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Messages currently shrinks RCS photos dramatically.
- The new update hints at improved image transfer options.
- Potential for sending high-resolution photos through RCS.
For years, Android users have craved a messaging experience that rivals the features and functionality offered by their iPhone-wielding counterparts. Thankfully, Rich Communication Services (RCS) promised to bridge this gap, enabling features like file transfers and improved chat experiences. However, a glaring issue with Google Messages – the go-to RCS app for most Android users – threatened to derail this progress.
The problem? Google Messages’ aggressive image compression. Sending photos via RCS resulted in a significant drop in quality, shrinking images down to a mere fraction of their original size. This meant blurry, pixelated pictures, a far cry from the crisp, high-resolution experience users expect.
Thankfully, a recent development suggests Google is actively addressing this issue. A new build of the Google Messages app reveals signs of a revamped approach to image transfers within RCS.
One key indicator is a flag labeled “bugle.enable_different_rcs_image_compression_settings.” The name itself hints at the potential for users to control the level of compression applied to RCS photos. Further code analysis suggests new settings specifically designed for RCS image transfers. These settings could offer a range of compression options, potentially surpassing the quality currently achievable even with the “Send photos faster” toggle enabled.
The potential benefits are clear. With improved image transfer capabilities, Google Messages could finally allow Android users to share high-quality photos seamlessly with their iPhone-using friends. This would be a major leap forward for RCS, bringing it closer to the level playing field many users have been waiting for.
While the new features aren’t yet live, their presence in the code signifies Google’s commitment to tackling this RCS photo quality issue. This update represents a positive step towards a more robust and user-friendly RCS experience for Android users.
