Google Messages will soon support text to 911 via RCS, allowing users in areas where SMS to contact 911 is available to benefit from new features like location sharing and read receipts. This announcement comes just days before Apple is expected to announce RCS support in iOS 18, and Google is working with RapidSOS to transmit medical information to emergency services for both iPhone and Android users. Once enabled by an emergency dispatch center, users sending text messages through Google Messages will see indicators that they are using RCS, including read receipts and write indicators. RCS will also allow for sharing higher quality images and videos with first responders, as well as sending precise locations. Google is collaborating with partners to expand RCS messaging with emergency services, encouraging the ecosystem to provide reliable emergency messaging for all. This move may be seen as a way to push Apple in the same direction, as RCS support is expected to be announced by Apple at WWDC.
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https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/6/24172460/911-rcs-texting-google-messages-android
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25479520/GoogleMessages_Blog_SOS_Keyword_Press_1080x1080_V1.png?w=1200&resize=1200,628&ssl=1 "Google Messages to Introduce Texting 911 through RCS")