Nottingham firm accepted on programme to test new Google technology

Geoff Love

Nottingham-based telecommunications company Esendex is one of just a handful of firms in the world to be accepted by Google to join Google’s Early Access Program and support its development of a new generation of mobile technology so advanced that most companies using it won’t need mobile apps.

The system is being rolled out on Android phones from early 2018 and is being hailed as a huge leap forward in smartphone technology. For example, when a customer books their local taxi, they won’t just get a message to say it’s on its way, but a map, perhaps a photograph of the driver and even the opportunity to change the journey, all through text message.

Esendex says the new technology should help eradicate fraud, phishing and spam texts. The firm says it will soon allow people to pay securely through text message, make and amend bookings and speak to customer service teams instantly, without the need to make a phone call.

For companies that want to improve their relationship with customers, they will be able to send tailored messages about a product the customer likes, with carousel pictures or videos, purchase options, availability nearby and the ability to speak to the customer directly via text.

The new messaging system is called Rich Communication Services (RCS). Google acquired a leading provider during their buyout of Jibe in 2015. Esendex is one of just a select few companies in Britain to be accepted onto Google’s Early Access Programme to develop RCS.

Esendex chief executive Geoff Love said: “We are extremely excited and humbled to have been accepted on to Google’s EarlyAccess Program. Our team of expert developers are busy working away to create what is set to be Esendex’s most revolutionary product to date; RCS.”

“We’re presently working with a select few brands to be early adopters of this new technology and their enthusiasm for the product is infectious. We expect to launch to the wider public early next year.”

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