Google is aiming to dump SMS as a two-factor authentication method for Gmail and switch to a more secure approach using QR codes.

While we might only sporadically check emails and instant messages from our WhatsApp groups and other channels, the simplicity and universal nature of SMS means it has a wide array of use cases ...

The fact that consumers are increasingly comfortable communicating via SMS means that brands could potentially use the channel to speak with them. Already brands are building databases of mobile users ...