Basically, what the title says. Do you use any app, that is proprietary, but either has no OSS alternatives or they're all not good enough? If there is an alternative, what keeps you from switching?

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[–] unknowing8343@discuss.tchncs.de 33 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Pedantic, but Google Messages' RCS. And it's all Google's fault because they are holding the API hostage, probably because they want to create familiarity with the app so that people don't switch once they finally open up.

[–] BearOfaTime@lemm.ee 5 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

I'm glad Google is exposing how crappy RCS is.

It's been fifteen years, and all they have is a "protocol" that's still completely dependant on a phone number.

What good is that? Why would I want that?

There are numerous systems that don't rely on a phone number, e.g. XMPP did everything RCS is trying to do, in 2010 (I ran it on my phone then, with a desktop client that kept in sync).

Teleguard works on every platform, no phone number required, as does MATRIX, Simplex, Wire, Threema, etc, etc.

Not to mention the issues people have with it. It's unreliable.

[–] unknowing8343@discuss.tchncs.de 11 points 2 months ago (1 children)

RCS is not another chat app.

It's the NEW SMS. That is why it is so important, and that is why it works ONLY IF YOU HAVE A PHONE. Because that's literally the point.

Having your mom, grandpa, and everyone automatically use encrypted, modern comnunication just because they have a phone is extremely important.

Realise that in places where SMS has been historically free, SMS is the standard.

XMPP, Matrix or whatever will obviously still have its place for more "incognito" conversations. But having a phone number should also give you access to a better alternative than SMS.

[–] ReversalHatchery 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

as I understand a phone number "gives you access to" RCS as much as it does to Signal. at that point it's just about what was pre-installed

[–] unknowing8343@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 2 months ago

RCS is supposed to be a distributed protocol, just like SMS, but using data. It is not the same as Signal. Tho, currently, Google is the main provider for almost all phone companies.

[–] tetris11@lemmy.ml 5 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

For anyone wondering:

RCS

Rich Communication Services. It is a protocol designed to enhance traditional SMS. RCS allows users to send messages that can include high-resolution images, videos, audio messages, and group chats, as well as features like read receipts, typing indicators, and location sharing.