Android and iPhone: video calls between mobile phones without installing anything

The GSMA presented RCS 4.0, the new version of the messaging standard that seeks to convert native applications into complete communication centers between mobile phones of different brands. The announcement implies that, if manufacturers and operators adopt it, users could start video calls and share higher quality files without leaving their usual messaging app.

RCS was born to standardize functions that were previously fragmented between platforms. With this update, the main promise is to take that interoperability one step further: transform chats into video calls and enrich the text with basic formats within the same conversation thread.

What RCS 4.0 brings

The specification includes several technical and experience improvements. Among the most relevant is a new mechanism for video calls initiated from the conversation, identified by the GSMA as MIVC (Messaging-Initiated Video Calls).

• Native video calls– Ability to switch from a chat to a video call, both individual and group, without opening a separate application.
• Union in progress: Group participants will be able to join a video call already in progress, without having to have been included at the beginning.
• Enriched text– Support for basic formatting within the message, such as bold, italics, and strikethrough; for devices without support, there will be a plain text version that avoids visible codes.
• Better multimedia management: Negotiation between devices to choose the optimal format and encoding of photos, audio and video, with the aim of preserving more quality during sending.

It is important to note that these changes are part of an open standard, so their actual operation will depend on the implementation by manufacturers and operators.

How will this affect the user?

If RCS 4.0 is implemented on a smartphone, the user will be able to start a video call directly from the messaging application they already use, regardless of the brand of the contact. The experience would be similar to that of other messaging applications, but integrated into the device’s native app.

For group conversations, flexibility increases: someone can join the call after it has started, reducing the friction of coordinating spontaneous video calls between contacts.

In terms of multimedia, automatic codec negotiation seeks to avoid the loss of quality that occurs when sending photos or videos between different systems, offering a more consistent presentation without the user having to choose technical settings.

Limitations and deadlines

The standard is already finalized, but that does not guarantee immediate availability. Each manufacturer and operator must integrate and activate features in their networks and devices, a process that can take months or even years based on previous experiences.

Additionally, full interoperability will require most key players to adopt the protocol and enable features by default; Until then, the experience will be partial and will depend on the ecosystem of each user.

Bottom line: RCS 4.0 defines what native messaging can be in the near future, but its real impact will be measured when phones and networks start deploying it at scale. Keep an eye on updates to your messaging app and announcements from your carrier to see when you’ll be able to try these features.

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Diego Soler explores technological trends and digital innovations. You will enjoy practical tutorials and direct advice to better understand artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and new technologies.