Should Microsoft develop an iMessage rival?

[Rich Edmonds]

According to the vocal community, Microsoft needs to do a number of things, but one item on its to-do list could be a cross-platform messenger app. Do you see the company ever pushing forward with such an app to take on Apple, as well as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.?

 

[Golfdriver97]

RCS would probably be the best way to counter iMessage: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/what-is-rcs-messaging/

 

[nate0]

They already have one. It is called Microsoft Messaging for Windows 10 Mobile. It is RCS capable, it syncs to your cloud Microsoft account and is also available on Windows 10 (desktop) just not active/implemented. Not sure why. Microsoft has not opened up the doors there yet I guess. Maybe too busy toying with Skype and sms sync there..?

 

[FrankTheDoorman]

Here lies probably the greatest crux to the conundrum.

Microsoft Messaging works perfectly. Syncs correctly, performs efficiently, and looks somewhat modern. However, it was 100% dependent upon the Windows 10 Mobile platform.

Skype is Skype. It's not the best on Windows 10 and it's certainly underperforming on 10 Mobile. But, it's got huge market share in the Microsoft Desktop and iOS+Android markets. Economically, it makes sense to put their resources there.

 

[DRDiver]

Where's the metric that shows "people" are telling Microsoft it needs a cross-platform messenger? As has been mentioned, they have Skype, which is cross-platform. I'll be the first to admit that it's absolutely horrible for SMS, but it works perfectly fine for just 'regular' messaging. If people aren't using it, coming up with yet ANOTHER app is just a waste. I've little doubt that Nadella will again say "we don't really need a 3rd ecosystem" and will just let existing players battle it out. He seems content to become another IBM.

 

[ryanlrobinson]

Nope. There are too many. If Microsoft tried to throw another one into the mix, it would fall completely flat. As bad as Skype is, at least it has an existing user base so they are probably better off trying to salvage it. Or buy one of those other ones who are still independent then migrate your Skype users to it, the same way they are migrating Skype for Business into Microsoft Teams. But please, do not add another one to the giant mess of communication options. We do not need yet another app to remember to use for that 1 friend because everybody uses different ones.

 

[PNvmkpk]

What's the point of iMessage competitor without mobile presence? Microsoft has to tap into Android and iOS's solutions.

 

[lbp775]

Why would anyone want to use one from them knowing that the rug could be pulled from under them at any minute?

 

[neo158]

Microsoft already have a true rival to iMessage, they are one of two companies who support RCS universal profile, the other is Google.

 

[Hirox K]

What's the point of iMessage competitor without mobile presence? Microsoft has to tap into Android and iOS's solutions.

Maybe because some normal sim or e-sim ready 5" 6" (or dual screen) Windows on ARM devices are on the way to the market?


I'm with ryanlrobinson.
There's soooooo many on the market already. Instead of spending time and money making another one, focus on the Skype is a better move. It's has existing user base.

btw, me and my gf haven't been using sms for the past... I dunno, since smartphone started. And I make phone calls like 0~2 times a year (maybe +2~3 times if free voice chat from the apps count) .

 

[PNvmkpk]

Maybe because some normal sim or e-sim ready 5" 6" (or dual screen) Windows on ARM devices are on the way to the market?

They are only focusing on enterprises. If they want to address consumers then they have bigger problems to solve than this one.

 

[Brian2014]

Why would they need to? Sms has been around for years and is cross platform. For anything more than sms, WhatsApp is available on every platform too.

 

[TheFerrango]

You mean a modern rendition of Windows Live Messenger, which was already available for a plethora of devices, including mobile, where it was baked into the OS, therefore providing a decent performance, and that they decided to kill in order to push the then-newly acquired Skype?

Something that supports group messaging, like, say, Rooms did back on Windows Phone 8.x?

They already had most things in place, and closed all of it under the usual “not enough people are using it”.

So unless they plan on sticking with it for years even if it’s not profitable, no, I think they’re better off not investing into something that will shortly be abandoned leaving its user screwed once again

 

[jjmurphy]

Groupme is more popular that I imagined with college age kids. Maybe start working to make that more integrated for consumers?

 

[fdruid]

Why are all these "Chime In" posts all about such dumb subjects?

Microsoft creating their own exclusive chat service would be a mistake, as much as for any other OS, and that includes Apple. What they do is help propagate brand loyalty, because of a need to communicate within the same brand. In the case of Apple, clearly it works in the USA because everyone has an iPhone. For the rest of the world (ie, "the whole world") the intelligent choice is to adopt a messaging network that's available for all platforms, like WhatsApp or telegram or dunno, Facebook Messenger if you're inclined to it.


So if MS did this, having an MS Messenger (again), only the hardcore fans that remain would use it, the rest of the world would laugh it off, MS would eventually kill it and everything would remain as it was.


So no, wouldn't work and it's a terrible idea.

 

[Craig RIPLEY1]

I do not know why folks are fumbling with Skype and paying a subscription fee for using it when Google Hangouts you can send SMS messages and make phone calls and video calls for free. now does that make any sense to you all?

 

[neo158]

I do not know why folks are fumbling with Skype and paying a subscription fee for using it when Google Hangouts you can send SMS messages and make phone calls and video calls for free. now does that make any sense to you all?

Skype has apps on ALL platforms and with an Office 365 subscription you get free Skype minutes each month. So it makes no sense using Hangouts which isn't pre-installed, Google has Allo and Duo available and, for Windows users, would mean they have to use their phone or tablet which already has the messaging app on it anyway which supports RCS Universal Profile or iMessage. My question to you therefore is, what would Hangouts give me over Skype or even the stock messaging app?​

 

[tgp]

My question to you therefore is, what would Hangouts give me over Skype or even the stock messaging app?

See this:

Google Hangouts you can send SMS messages and make phone calls and video calls for free

 

[etphoto]

If its not going to make MS money why would they invest? And as someone else said, since they don't have a mobile presence . . .

Sent from mTalk

 

[Pacus1x]

No, it would be another MS Bob, Zune, WP/W10m...