The color of the messaging icon in Android’s native Messages application often provides information about the type of message being sent or received. Specifically, the blue color typically indicates that the message was sent or received using Rich Communication Services (RCS) or Advanced Messaging. This newer standard offers several improvements over traditional SMS/MMS, such as higher quality media sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and group chats with enhanced features. As an example, if an Android user sees a conversation with another user in blue bubbles, it suggests they are both using RCS and experiencing these advanced messaging functionalities.
The significance of this visual cue lies in its ability to inform the user about the capabilities and features available within a conversation. RCS aims to upgrade the texting experience, bridging the gap between SMS/MMS and feature-rich messaging apps. Its introduction and adoption represents a shift toward more versatile and interactive communication directly within the default messaging application. Moreover, the reliance on data rather than solely cellular networks for message transmission can potentially reduce costs for users, depending on their data plans.