Google Introduces Messages Feature for Contacting Businesses in Maps

Google has put a Messages function in Maps. This allows consumers to contact companies they have found through the application. For this, companies must install a separate chat app on Android or iOS.

Consumers can send the messages via the Messages function that is in the menu on the side of Google Maps, the search giant writes. Companies receive it via the My Business app for Android or iOS. They can answer that. If the company does not have My Business, then there is no option to send a message.

The messaging feature is separate from other Google messaging platforms. For example, it has the default texting app in Android, Messages, which has support for rcs. Communication with companies is one of the revenue models for RCS, which should form the successor to SMS, but which has not yet really got off the ground. Google also has the chat app Allo, the video chat service Duo and a chat function in YouTube.