London-based startup Nothing is offering a solution to bring iMessage compatibility to Android with Nothing Chats. The app is currently in beta and co-developed with Sunbird Messaging, launching exclusively for the Nothing Phone (2) on November 17.
Nothing Chats aims to bring iMessage’s ‘blue bubbles’ to Android including group chats, live typing indicator, voice notes, and high-res media sharing.
This is possible through Sunbird’s patented service that utilize Apple ID on an Apple device to log-on with Nothing Chats. Sunbird’s extensive network of undisclosed Mac mini computers strategically positioned across Europe and North America serves as a relay point for sending and receiving iMessage-compatible messages and media, effectively bridging the gap between Android and iOS users.
Nothing Chats also supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) to chat seamlessly with other Android devices, on top of SMS and MMS.
According to Nothing, all chats are end-to-end encrypted which means neither Nothing nor Sunbird can access users’ messages or files.
Despite Google’s ongoing efforts to persuade Apple to adopt RCS on its iPhones, the Cupertino giant remains steadfast in its refusal and is unlikely to change its stance in the foreseeable future.
This led to the so-called ‘green vs blue bubble’ divide, where only iPhone users can enjoy the full range of iMessage’s features. Leaving Android users with limited capabilities symbolized by their ‘green bubbles’.
Nothing Chats availability
Nothing Chats launches on November 17 on the Google Play Store as an alternative to Google Messages. It will initially be available for Phone (2) users in the US, Canada, UK, and EU.
The company does say that they plan to bring Nothing Chats to more places.
Lol, Nothing Chats is officially dead on arrival. Apple just announced RCS support for iPhones. Though, as an iPhone user, I never really cared about the color of those chat bubbles in the first place.