Google has started rolling a major update to Google Messenger that among a sea of other changes also brings support for “Enhanced features” a.k.a  Rich Communication Services (RCS). The feature will help spice up your good old SMS by adding some new features to it.

This includes being able to send messages over data instead of using the traditional SMS protocol that costs money, typing indicators to know when you or the other party is typing a message, and read receipts so that both parties can know when their message has been read. Before you get too excited about RCS support in Google Messenger, do note that the feature needs to be supported by carriers as well. In the United States, only AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, and Sprint support the feature for now, with no word from Verizon on when it plans on adding support for it.

“Enhanced features” needs to be manually enabled on the Google Messenger app once Google enables RCS support for you via a server-side update. The app will automatically prompt you to enable the feature when it is opened. In case you do not get the pop-up, you can enable it by going to Settings -> Enhanced features.

There are a few other changes introduced by Google in this update of Messenger which are as follows:

• Messenger has been completely redesigned to make conversations easier, faster, and more fun.
• Simple design, quick photo sharing, and top contacts one tap away
• Enhanced features that let you send messages over Wi-Fi or your data network, see when friends are typing, and more (some carriers only)
• Unread messages indicator on your Messenger’s home screen icon (some Android phones only)
• Android N compatibility

Download: Google Messenger