Google Takes Out Massive Billboard To Tell Apple To Fix ‘Pixelated’ Videos

It’s no secret Google has made many attempts at convincing Apple to integrate Rich Communication Services (RCS) into its messaging service, but till now, the latter has been resistant to opening the borders of iMessage. 

Last August, the Alphabet-owned company created a dedicated website calling for Apple to adopt RCS, though the Cupertino firm remained steadfast in providing users with iMessage and standard SMS as the default services. 

For those unfamiliar with RCS, the service is an upgraded version of the SMS system that provides a richer experience for users, such as by allowing parties within a conversation to see ‘texting’ dots, send higher-quality videos, and issue read receipts for messages. 

Now, to ring in the new year, Google has once again taken to publicly urging Apple to make the switch, this time by hiring out an entire billboard advertisement in Las Vegas so it’s sure to get the message across. 

@uptin

First time I’ve even seen an ad for android and it’s going all out

♬ Funny Song - Cavendish Music

“The ball may have dropped on 2022, but you don’t have to drop the ball on fixing your pixelated photos and videos,” the massive advertisement read, followed by a cheeky scroll through of lines of RCS code that Google said would help Apple “get the ball rolling.” 

A spokesperson for Google tells Insider that the display is demonstrative of Android’s aim to bring “greater interoperability across devices” and a better messaging experience regardless of which operating software a user is on. 

It remains to be seen if Apple will respond to this jab, or if it’ll stand firm on its stance not to integrate its messaging service with the rest of the industry. If anything, it is likely CEO Tim Cook will just tell those with pixelated images and videos to buy their mom an iPhone.  

[via Insider and Uptin / TikTok, cover image via Ulf Wittrock | Dreamstime.com and Ken Wolter | Dreamstime.com]