Google has decided to take a step forward in its fight with WhatsApp. There are many rivals to the green messaging app, but none have managed to wipe it off the map, or knock it off the top step of the podium. Now, the Mountain View company has introduced some features to Hangouts that would aim to overthrow WhatsApp, following proposals such as Google BabelOne of them is that the SMS will be integrated in the app.
As we mentioned in Android Help a few weeks ago, Google has been working on implementing SMS in the Hangouts app itself, unifying messaging and SMS management in a single app, similar to what Apple does with iMessage. All messages we send to other users can be sent via SMS or as a message to their online account, all in the same app.
The advantage is that Hangouts will come pre-installed on many smartphones, so users won't be required to download the app and register. It's almost impossible to use an Android smartphone without logging in with our Google account, and with the app already pre-installed, the number of users who will have an active account on this service will be very large. Furthermore, there's a version of the app for iOS users, making it cross-platform. The inclusion of messaging will encourage users to use Hangouts much more and become more familiar with how it works. Furthermore, in countries like the United States, where SMS is widely used, the effectiveness of these changes will be even greater since they are free with many existing plans.
Another new feature that has been included in the application is the possibility of sending the location where we are at a given time. This feature already exists in WhatsApp, and was a shortcoming of Hangouts that has now been resolved, making it one of the most complete rivals, with video calls and voice calls over IPIn any case, its success still largely depends on the number of users who start using the app regularly.
What does it mean to integrate SMS into Hangouts?
The integration of SMS in Hangouts aims to ensure that the user does not think about the channel, but in the conversation. With a single thread per contact you can switch between data messages and SMS, with automatic switching When connectivity is limited or the recipient doesn't use the online layer. This unification reduces friction, avoids duplication, and improves continuity.
It also brings practical advantages: SMS continues to work with basic mobile coverage and without the recipient needing the app. For the user, the experience is transparent, with clear indicators showing whether it's being sent as an SMS or a Hangouts message, helping to control costes when the plan does not include unlimited messages. In addition, there are tools to automatically delete old SMS, which improves storage management and privacy.
In privacy, SMS is an undisputed standard. end-to-end encryptionFor this reason, although Hangouts simplifies access to both worlds, it's important to understand that security depends on the channel chosen. This clarity of interface is key to making the integration useful and conscious.
RCS/Chat: the “rich SMS” that Android is pushing
Beyond Hangouts, Google is promoting RCS (Rich Communication Services), commercially known as Chat, as an evolution of SMS. RCS enables read receipts, writing indicators, groups, sending high-resolution photos and videos, GIF search, and even integration with the Assistant, all from the native messaging app.
The proposal is interoperable between operators and manufacturers, with backward compatibility: if the recipient does not have RCS, the system fallback to SMS/MMS. Contrary to what was suggested by some initial approaches, RCS typically operates on the data plan of the user; when this is not possible, SMS/MMS is used to ensure delivery.
In security, the deployment of RCS has evolved: initially without end-to-end encryption, today the Google Messages app incorporates E2EE in individual chats and a progressive rollout to compatible groups, raising the bar for privacy compared to basic implementations.
RCS's strategic advantage is its presence in the Messages app pre-installed on many Androids, reducing dependence on downloads, and its compatibility with third-party solutions (such as messaging apps from some manufacturers), similar to how WhatsApp or Telegram already operate, but relying on a standard of the ecosystem.
From the “classic” Hangouts to the current Google ecosystem
Google ordered its communication catalog by separating proposals for best before date y productivity. While Google Messages took the focus on SMS/RCS for the end user, collaborative messaging moved to Google Chat (formerly Hangouts Chat) and video conferencing Google Meet (formerly Hangouts Meet), with deep integration into Calendar, Drive, and the rest of Workspace.
Classic Hangouts served as a bridge that integrated Gmail, Google+, and mobile messaging. Over time, the company migrated conversations and contacts to the new stack, focusing Hangouts on the transition and prioritizing specialized experiences for every use case: SMS/RCS for mobile, collaborative chat for teams, and professional video calls in Meet.
Strengths and challenges compared to WhatsApp and other rivals
- Scope and adoptionWhatsApp benefits from its network effect, but pre-installing Messages and SMS/RCS integration allow Google to reduce inbound friction, even reaching non-app contacts via SMS.
- Multi-device experience: Google services rely on the cloud for syncing, and RCS adds a web/desktop version. This competes with WhatsApp's approach, which has expanded its multi-screen approach, and with Telegram, a reference in speed and continuity.
- Advanced functions: locations, voice notes, file sending, stickers and video calls are covered; for professional scenarios, Meet scales with calendars and invitations. Messenger excels in multimedia and group video calls, while LINE brings ecosystem and customization.
- Privacy RCS E2EE in Messages is advancing, but coexistence with SMS (without end-to-end encryption) requires an informed user decision in each chat; WhatsApp and Telegram (in their secret chats) have consistently made encryption a priority.
Beyond functionalities, the challenge for Google is to clearly explain the RCS value and maintain an interface that simplifies channel selection, avoiding duplication and educating on security indicators. The ability to continue chatting with someone who doesn't have data or hasn't installed an app via SMS remains a differentiating factor.
Hangouts with integrated SMS paved the way for hybrid messaging, which is now consolidated with RCS and a clearer app ecosystem. For the user, the benefit is talk without thinking about technology: a single thread, the best available route, and tools that already compete head-to-head with market leaders.
