Android 4.4 KitKat will allow third-party messaging apps to act as default

Several Android users have found themselves fancying a third-party messaging app from Google Play, over the stock one provided within the OS. WhatsApp, HandSMS, Go SMS Pro, and others are among the top choices among users. Google realises this and has announced plans to cater to the select bunch.
Over on the Android Developers blog, Google says Android 4.4 KitKat will bring support for third-party text messaging apps to be set as default. Several developers have done this in roundabout ways in previous versions of Android, something Google discourages. Now the company is making it available in a legit way through a set of KitKat APIs.
We'll spare you the developer jargon, but the APIs will give SMS and MMS apps downloaded from Google Play access to system wide features, taking place of the stock messaging app.
Better yet, the new APIs lead us to believe Google is close to releasing an updated version of its Hangouts app with integrated SMS and MMS - a highly requested feature. If Google comes up with what several users have requested in the past, the company could have a serious Apple iMessage competitor on its hands. Android Police posted screenshots last week indicating the feature is on its way.
Google shows a pop-up box when a user wants to change their default SMS app. Word of the SMS features within Android 4.4 KitKat features comes the day before Google is expected to unveil the mobile OS to the world.
- Gmail 2018 update: All the new features and how to get them now
- Snappables: How to use Snap's new lenses with built-in AR games
- New Snap Spectacles (2018): What's the story so far?
- Now you can add multiple images and videos to Instagram Stories
- How to download and view your Instagram data report
- How to download and view your WhatsApp data report
- You now have to be 16 or older to use WhatsApp in Europe
- Spotify Free will enable you to listen on demand – but there’s a catch of course!
- Apple has a UK silicon design team - and has opened its doors to inspire kids
- Here's what we're expecting from Spotify's launch event today
Comments