Google today announced the availability of improved messaging experience for Android users in the US. Google is enabling chat features in the Android Messages app using the power of RCS (Rich Communication Services). With this improved Messages app, unlike regular SMS service, you can chat with others over internet and also send photos and videos
If you already have Messages app installed on your Android device, you’ll get a prompt to enable RCS-powered chat features in the coming weeks. If you don’t have Messages app, you can download it from Google Play Store.
It is important to note that this improved messaging experience on Android is already available in the UK, France, and Mexico.
Source: Google