Samsung has released a new video in support of Google’s #GetTheMessage campaign which calls for Apple to adopt RCS or “Rich Communication Services,” the cross-platform protocol pitched as a successor to SMS that adopts many of the features found in modern messaging apps… like Apple’s own iMessage.
My only issue with RCS is that it requires that either LTE or wifi be on. I personally keep those off unless I want to actively use the internet. Not a big deal, minor annoyance though.
They all do now. MMS, iMessage, any other messaging app, also require an active data connection to actually reach your phone.
The only thing that did not require an active data connection in place is real SMS, with all its limitations.
That’s why we still rely on SMS in rural Canada, most of the time our phones are too far from the tower for LTE to establish a link. Most attempts to use modern SMS replacements have ended in unreliable messaging and me having to support all my neighbours in shutting off the messaging support in their apps so they can use reliable SMS.
I run Pulse SMS on my phone to ensure my SMS is always SMS and will be delivered. Unfortunately I see no path away from reliance on 3G/HSPA as the eye closes on LTE after about 25km, resulting in “bars” on the phone but no ability to transfer data.
Such a shame. =(
3G has been shut off and 2G will be going down in weeks. SMS won’t work without LTE or 5G soon.
Then I look forward to not getting texts from anyone. =)
Just curious, is there a specific reason you keep data and wifi off unless you’re using them?
Have you ever recorded WiFi traffic on any device? It’s pretty crazy the amount of packets being transfered and received at any given moment
So? Do you personally have to send out these packets by mail?
No reason to keep either on since they drain the battery even when not actively browsing the net. And if your LTE can’t find a tower to connect, it keeps trying to connect, draining the battery significantly. This was pretty bad for me a couple years ago; not so much anymore since I live in a city now but I still keep both off, mostly habit but also because I like having my battery above 90% while it’s sitting idle.
When I’m at home and want to use the net on my phone, I turn WiFi on, then off once done. When I’m outside the home and need the internet, I turn LTE on and then turn it back off once I’m done.
I’ve noticed this in the mountains as well, even though I don’t think I’m that far from the tower I guess the normal cell signal bounces off the rock and stays readable but the data does not. Usually pretty close that they go out but as I go into a valley/ravine/hollow/canyon I do lose data first, while I still have 3/5 bars.
If you have Internet, you can also just use Signal. No need for RCS.