MetroPCS Launches Rich Communication Services

MetroPCS launched Rich Communication Services(RCS) under the GSMA's joyn brand. MetroPCS is one of the first carriers in the world to launch joyn-branded RCS services.
Joyn is a standards-based Android application that collects and merges messaging services, such as IM(Instant Messaging), SMS, Video Chat and Content sharing. The user can conduct threaded text conversations and supports presence, which lets users know when their friends are available to chat. It also makes it easier to share photo and video content when the user is on an active phone call.

This service not compatible with CDMA. MetroPCS customers make voice and video calls to other joyn users via Wi-Fi. As a part of all 4G LTE rate plans, and enabled smartphones, joyn by MetroPCS will provide customers the ability to share contact information and status, content, as well as enhanced  chat which allows users for group messaging and provides notifications of read messages.

 The service will first be available on the Samsung Galaxy Attain LTE smartphone. The goal is to allows these features be shared by customers no matter about OS, but for now, joyn is available only on the Samsung Attain 4G. MetroPCS will be offering additional RCS compatible for 10 more devices through the rest of this year and 2013.

To access the service, users must download the joyn application from Google's Play Android storefront. The service is meant to coax users into using the carrier-branded messaging tools rather than replacement services from the likes of Skype, iMessage, Google Talk, and others.