Since the introduction of the new option, tech analysts have become more preoccupied of comparisons between T-Mobile’s Advanced Messaging Service Vs. Apple’s iMessage. Although the two apps are more or less similar T-Mobile claims its new product can determine customers to give up the iOS service in favor of their new Messaging Service.
Starting on Wednesday, the day when the official announcement was made, T-Mobile features a new service for their SMS app. The Advanced Messaging service will first be available on Samsung’s Galaxy Grand Prime model, but will later on, be included on the Galaxy S5 and S6 models, as well, the company has confirmed.
Once the S5 and S6 smartphones will be provided with the Advanced Messaging service, customers will be able to send image and video messages of up to 10MB, according to T-Mobile. There are many other advantages that customers are expected to get through the introduction of the new option, namely, faster message delivery and exchange.
Unlike other SMS services, T-Mobile’s new feature does not require other third-party apps to be downloaded prior to its installation. The service relies on Rich Communication Service, also known as RCS Standard.
According to Neville Ray, T-Mobile’s CTO, the Advanced Messaging service represents the change that the company is making towards the reinforcement of their data-centric IP-technology. If this service will receive a positive feedback from customers, many similar RCS-based services will be included in the future, the CTO has concluded.
T-Mobile’s recent launch of the Advanced Messaging service has been labeled as a discreet attempt of competing against Apple’s iMessage. The iOS-based service is available only for iPhones and iPads, but given that it is a free option, customers have the possibility to exchange unlimited SMS and MMS with other iPhone and iPad users.
Apple’s SMS service works only when connected to the Internet, so users would have to have a Wi-Fi connection in their vicinity so they could send SMS and MMS. Apple is also alluring iOS 8 users into downloading their iMessage app by offering them the possibility to send voice messages and videos with just one screen tap.
Apple customers can join group discussions on iMessage or they can choose to display the ‘Do Not Disturb’ message so they would not be disturbed while working.
Given these strong similarities between the two messaging services, tech analysts believe the two companies will most likely form personal, distinctive audience groups. Apple and T-Mobile don’t necessarily have to steal market shares from each other; they can co-exist due to their restricted area of application, analysts have concluded.
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Hex Imal says
“Apple’s SMS service works only when connected to the Internet, so users would have to have a Wi-Fi connection in their vicinity so they could send SMS and MMS.”
What about mobile internet connections? It’s hard to find places where not at least 3G is available.
Also, I think the real competitor is Threema (not iMessage) since it’s available on any mobile platform (and it’s secure).