In today’s world of mobile phones, there is always something new. Companies try to offer innovative solutions that ease the way we live in. However, sometimes it looks like those solutions are removed without an explanation. This is precisely what happened recently when Samsung decided to get rid of Samsung Messages, which was Samsung’s version of Google Messages. This shift has left many loyal customers wondering why there is a need to make these changes, and although it looks like a minor one, the consequences could be major.
If you are a Samsung device user, you will probably recall the now-defunct Samsung Messages app which for some devices has now been replaced with Google Messages. This change marks something bigger in the telecommunications sector – that of consolidation and greater focus on user experience.
So what triggered Samsung to silently back out of their feud with Google Messages? Allow me to shed some light on this decision and its perplexing aftermath.
Why Did Samsung Cut Off Its Competitor To Google Messages?
Samsung has decided to do away with its Google Messages competitor, and the decision did not receive much attention which left users unaware of the shift. The Samsung messages app had been a constant on all Galaxy devices for a number of years, and provided incredible features like customizable options, sending images in superior quality, and other Samsung apps’ integration. It was the go-to SMS and MMS messaging client for many users because it integrated well with the devices they owned.
Samsung has decided to discontinue the app which fits perfectly with Samsung’s plan to streamline its ecosystem and make it more cohesive across devices. Now that Samsung users have to use Google Messages as the default messaging app, it is easier for them to take advantage of RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging features which are read receipts, typing indicators, and sharing of media files in high-quality.
This decision makes sense for Samsung as well since using Google on this front benefits them as well. Google Messages has become the go-to option for Android users and other manufacturers have widely embraced it too. This benefits Samsung because they will be able to provide a unified messaging operating system for all Android phones, so that users do not have to deal with confusing proprietary applications.
How Will This Impact Users Using Samsung Tech?
The switch to Google Messages may look like a win in terms of convenience for Samsung, but everything is not as smooth as it appears. Users who enjoyed using the Samsung Messages app will likely be displeased with the changes. Their integrated ecosystem and advanced customization features are sacrificed for brand adoption across the board.
As an example, Samsung Messages app was able to integrate more thoroughly with other Samsung applications, like Samsung Notes and Samsung Contacts. It also offered a range of emoji styles, theme personalization, and Samsung-specific features. Many Galaxy fans loved these perks because they provided a distinct experience.
On the other hand, Google Messages is a far more sophisticated solution when compared to other messaging applications and is built on Google’s powerful software infrastructure which makes it available for all Android devices. It works perfectly, is dependable, and supports advanced features such as RCS technology for rich media communication. The catch is, most users feel that the attention to detail that Samsung put to its messaging platform has now been lost.
Google Messages: Will Users Buy In?
The focus now shifts to whether Google Messages will capture the hearts of long-term Samsung loyalists. It’s hard to argue that Google Messages isn’t better, more organized, and ships with smart replies, GIFs, and Google Assistant features. Still, for the customers who appreciated Samsung’s take, the transition may not be so welcome.
Samsung users that were already eating up Samsung Messages now have to come to terms with Google’s substitute. Existing users who appreciate homogenous systems will find the change simple, yet others will have to adjust to the new messaging ecosystem.
What’s the Bigger Picture: Are We Seeing the Death of App Rivalries?
Samsung making this move is a signal of the already changing landscape of the mobile world. We may witness a decline in app rivalries as Google and Samsung continue to deepen their collaborations on hardware integration and software. Samsung discontinuing rival calls for Google Messages could also be looked at as the death of one of those rivalries, but it could also mark a newly found relationship of collaboration between the titans of technology.
This collaboration could be extremely beneficial for both sides. We could expect more unified applications throughout Android users, creating a better experience for everyone, no matter the brand they use. Nonetheless, there’s a downside to this trend as well: lack of variety for users who like having options. The time where we had several messaging apps, each providing specific unique features, is coming to an end.
Final Thoughts: Will Samsung Users Adapt to Google Messages?
The ending of Samsung’s slow phasing out of its Google Messages competitor does signify the conclusion of a chapter for some older Galaxy users. It is apparent that this move will greatly help users who want a more cohesive and universal messaging platform, but for others, it may be difficult as the Samsung Messages app had a lot of customization options to offer.
Shifts for Samsung have always been towards Google’s ecosystem, and with this change, it seems Samsung is leading us into a ease-of use integration in the Android world. But only time will tell if this change will be received positively or will lead to dissatisfaction, either way, one thing is clear: Android devices are likely losing their diverse messaging platform options.
