Google has released its own version of iMessage for Android devices, which will certainly switch things up for those without iPhones.

What’s going on: Google just revealed its new message service, called “Chat,” which includes a number of features and tools that are similar to what you would see with iMessage, CNN reports.

  • Android users can now add read receipts to their message.
  • An ellipsis will pop up when someone is typing.
  • People can send hi-resolution photos and videos, too.

Flashback: Sanaz Ahari, the production management director for Google, tweeted last week that those with Androids should update their phones. People in the U.K., France and Mexico started using the tool back in June, The Verge reports.

View Comments

The details: This new form of texting is based on RCS text messages, which is much different than the traditional SMS text messaging.

  • “Google is taking its time with the rollout, but it plans to give everyone access to the feature by the end of the year,” CNET reports.
  • Google has attempted this in the past but it has never quite risen to the level of iMessage or Facebook Messenger, according to CNET.
  • “With RCS Messaging so tightly intertwined with text messaging, Google may have finally found itself a winner.”
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.