As part of Google’s #GetTheMessage campaign, Samsung released a video that urges Apple to adopt RCS, a cross-platform protocol which adopts many of the features of modern messaging apps, as a successor to SMS… much like Apple’s iMessage. The funny video shows green and blue bubble emojis who want to be together but can’t because of their parents. It brings attention to how RCS can help iPhone and Android users message each other seamlessly.
In the video called “Green and Blue Bubbles Just Wanna Be Pals,” two bubble emojis chat across different messaging platforms. Green bubble complains that their parents “don’t get us bubbles” and keep them apart from blue bubble. Green bubble wonders “what did we ever do?” They hope one day platforms can get along so all bubbles can have fun together.
The bubbles refer to how iMessage displays different color text bubbles for iPhone users (blue) versus green for Android users. When users with iPhones and Android phones message each other, Android users miss out on features like read receipts and high-quality photos/videos.
This split experience is especially noticeable in the U.S. where about half of people use iPhones and half use Samsung or other Android brands. While Apple benefits from locking users into its ecosystem, regulators believe device makers should allow interoperability. The EU is investigating if iMessage meets rules as a “core platform” under the new DMA act, which could require Apple to make it work with other messaging services like RCS.
RCS aims to upgrade SMS by adding features found in apps like iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. It lets users see when texts are read, share high-quality media and add group chats. Samsung and Google hope pressuring Apple will get them on board so all mobile users can enjoy consistent messaging. Only time will tell if the fun video sways Apple to see bubbles as buddies!
