If big G really thinks it's going to "replace SMS" ( and they can leverage their platform to roll it out / lock in ) then good luck to them, maybe they can replace SMS.
But so what?
SMS was not the killer messaging app.
Those things are elsewhere.
Why does big G have an aversion to big acquisitions?
FB buys WhatsApp & IG -- Great moves
MS has made some big purchases
But the big G seems to purchase, but only for small dollar amounts (relatively). Same with Apple.
Even tho these two corps have (don't they?) big loads of cash.
I think it's technical arrogance. Big G and Apple are used to being revered as King S&&t of their tech.
So they think they can build it themselves. Ahahaha, sure, you can BUILD it...but can you get product/market fit to where it matters as a replacement?
I feel sorry for them. I think Big G and Apple obviously do great, but couldn't they do better to just narrow their focus. Even tho FB is f^&&d up in a lot of ways, one thing to really admire about their business is their narrow narrow focus. Even Oculus makes sense because Zuck sees a "Ready Player 1" world as the future ( with him as God Emperor, of course..heh ).