Today, users want to do more with their messages than just “text”. The rich messaging features of messaging services like WhatsApp, WeChat etc. are the reason why these apps are enjoying unparalleled global adoption. However, text messaging that is widely used by all users, especially in emerging markets, has so far had limited functionality. RCS is part of the new Advanced Messaging standard designed to greatly improve messaging functionality that comes installed on phones by default. Along with text messages, RCS will also allow for higher quality picture messaging up to 10MB in size, group chats, location sharing, and even video calls by default. The service also appears to support read receipts and typing indicators that you’re probably already familiar with from other services.

Gupshup and PubNub are pleased to announce the addition of the Gupshup BLOCK on the PubNub BLOCKS catalogue. You can now trigger a bot action via a PubNub BLOCK.

2017 was the year of the bots at MWC. While traditionally, MWC has always featured companies facilitating innovations for faster connectivity and service providers, this year, chatbots and AI stole the show. The bot rage has clearly sparked the interest of the biggest brands and businesses. An interesting pattern emerged at this year’s MWC, contrary to last year only a handful of app developing companies were seen at the conference, while most of the developer centric audience showed interest in emerging technologies powered by AI.