Google could be working on improving the image sending experience through its app Google Messages, according to a detailed analysis by Android Authority. The latest version of the APK suggests a significant change in image compression using the RCS protocol (Rich Communication Services).
The analysis reveals that Google could allow the submission of images up to 8,192 pixels wide and high with a JPEG quality of 100 pixels. However, if the “Send photos faster” option is activated, the images will be compressed to 2,408 pixels and the JPEG quality will be reduced to 90. Currently, this option compresses images to 1,600 pixels, which greatly alters the details. It is currently unknown when these changes would take place.
This compression limitation is not directly associated with the RCS protocol. Other messaging applications like Samsung Messages also use this protocol without imposing similar restrictions. The responsibility for this limitation lies solely with Google. If the company goes ahead with the change, a visible difference in the quality of images sent through their messaging app could be noticed.
The exact reason for this limitation is not known, but now Google seems willing to change it. The recent decision by Apple to integrate RCS support into its Messages app with iOS 18 may have influenced this measure by Google. In addition, a major update from GSMA for RCS could reduce the messaging gap between Android and iPhone, benefiting users of both operating systems when sending high-quality images.
