DIGITAL LIFE

Google wants to dethrone WhatsApp in Brazil

Google teamed up with operators Claro, Oi, Tim and Vivo and with smartphone manufacturers Samsung, Motorola, LG, Multilaser and Positivo Tecnologia to launch an intelligent SMS called Rich Business Messaging.
The RBM allows companies to send messages in a personalized way and with better conversion rates. It is possible to send multimedia files and obtain read and send reports.
RBM works on the protocol called Rich Communications Services, better known by the acronym RCS. It is the latest version of SMS messaging services, used by applications like Android Messages and Samsung Messages. RCS, powered by Google, already works on all four operators. Despite using connected resources, RBM will not discount data from consumers' mobile internet franchise.
Operators, through partners, will offer RBM under a billing model for individual messages or for sessions of up to 24 hours. Other than that, the service will be offered to the Ministry of Health free of charge until the end of this year to send information about covid-19.
According to Google, tests carried out in Brazil, in different campaigns, had conversion rates of 5 to 7.8 times better than with ordinary SMS.
"The transformation in the way of consuming, which became even more online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, made brands and consumers seek more interactive ways of communication", says, in a note, Fabio Coelho, president of Google Brazil and vice president of Google.
All Samsung Galaxy smartphones launched this year are already compatible with RBM, as are the following models: Galaxy S8, S8 +, S9, S9 +, S10e, S10, S10 +, Note8, Note9, Note10, Note10 +, M10, M20, M30, A7 2018, A9 2018, A80, A70, A50, A30, A30s, A20, A20s, A10, A10s.
“At Samsung, the consumer is at the center of all decisions. We have a solid partnership with Google and the enabling of the RCS service reinforces our commitment to offering the best experience through our products, optimizing the routine of our users ”, says, in a note, Antonio Quintas, Vice President of the Samsung Brazil mobile devices.
RBM is a way for operators to combat WhatsApp in Brazil with a system over which they have control and can offer it to companies that want to communicate with customers via mobile.

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