[Chickensoup]

Samsung is offloading their messenger text app users to the Google text app. Is there a better option

[Roadrunner383]

Verizon is shutting down their messaging on Nov. 7 and recommending Google Messaging.

[Resolute Conservative]

What’s app

[SunTzuWu]

Chomp from the Google Play Store.
It’s free and customizable.

[xkaydet65]

Why don’t they just ship all this over to the NSA and eliminate the middle man?

[plain talk]

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4268481/posts

[for-q-clinton]

I know. I do like the google app, but it doesn’t do Samsung themes. It really ruins the look of the phone with the odd icon and lack of theme in the app.

But no Google’s app gives you the RCS implementation that works best.

[for-q-clinton]

But for non SMS needs Telegram is amazing.

[Big Red Badger]

One thing after another.

[Organic Panic]

Another vote for ‘Signal’

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

WhatsApp. It also features free calls to anywhere and better video calls than Apples Facetime.

[vivenne]

Is this the same as regular texting or something different?

[Billthedrill]

I thought I'd get ahead of the Verizon game and convert early. A caution for Samsung owners - Google Messages and Samsung Messages have nearly identical icons but they're different apps. If you have to do a manual install, beware.

I'm thinking of calling my local FBI field office for technical support. They can't read it if it doesn't work.

[Vermont Lt]

When my son in law deploys we usually get updated on the most recent, encrypted, and safe messaging systems that he can use to message and “face time” from where he is.

This time he told us to use Signal. Last time was Whats App.

[AUTiger83]

Signal, for other people who have Signal installed on their phones (Android and Apple).

But Google Messages also has end-to-end encryption now, if the other other party is also using Google Messages.

From the Google Play Store app "about" page:

Google Messages is the official Google app for messaging. Google Messages allows you to text with Rich Communication Services (RCS) with fallback to SMS/MMS, which allows you to seamlessly connect to other RCS users -- no matter what device they use. Get more done in your messages with one-tap calendar reminders, emoji replies, and spam protection. End-to-end encryption is on by default when you message other Google Messages users who have RCS enabled.

[AUTiger83]

Another benefit of Signal is the phone call option. My brother internationally travels and when he's on WiFi overseas, he's able to voice call me through the Signal servers without running up any charges. The performance is mediocre at best (bandwidth?), but it is a free option.

Also a possible backup for emergencies such as our current hurricane damaged areas.

[pingman]

I made the swap, It was seamless and a great improvement. The voice-to-text feature is massively better that the OEM Samsung app.

[Mean Daddy]

Was in a security meeting today and the consultant advocated for WhatsApp and Signal. The others aren’t encrypted.