While WhatsApp is currently the go-to messaging service for most people, that could be set to change.
Google is said to be launching a rival messaging service called Chat, according to The Verge.
The messenger will link up with text messages, and will be available on all Android smartphones.
Chat will operate like a traditional SMS message, but will have many elements seen in other messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
READ MORE
Kenyans working for Facebook paid far less than others, court told
SHA ranks behind Gachagua, Miano in Google search trends in Kenya
After hibernating to prospect for minerals, Joho can't stand powerful youths online
For example, users will be notified when the recipient has read their message, and the app will show if they are typing.
Chat will be free to download, and messages will be free to send if you’re connected to WiFi - if not, costs will be deducted from your data plan.
According to The Verge, more than 50 mobile carriers, including Vodafone and T Mobile, have already signed up to the service.
Unfortunately, unlike on WhatsApp, messages sent on Chat will not be end-to-end encrypted.
This could make it easier for hackers to intercept your messages.
It is unclear when Google plans to launch Chat.
