RCS Chatbots vs. Single- purpose Apps

Sammanfattning: The Rich Communication Service (RCS) aims to be the default messaging protocol in mobile devices. The native integration of RCS opens up the possibility of RCS chatbots replacing single-purpose apps. This report analyzes this possibility through in-depth experimentation of the chatbot functionality, followed by user testing of the chatbot features. The report found that the RCS chatbot could replace mobile applications since many solve a specific task and follow a closed-loop system. The report also identified RCS as a solution to the accumulated unused apps users have on their mobile devices. This report also attempts to fill the research gap on the current situation of RCS and the reasons behind the different rollout rates of RCS globally. The examination of interviews with RCS stakeholders was the basis of a stakeholder analysis. This analysis found that the Mobile Network Operators have different standings regarding RCS. Some see potential, and some see issues with RCS hindering the global rollout. Furthermore, the reluctance from Apple and the high involvement of Google are reviewed and contrasted with the answers from the interviews.