Beeper, a chat app that previously attempted to bring iMessage to Android, has released a new Android chat app that integrates with multiple messaging services. This new app includes features like text messaging, and support for services like WhatsApp and Signal. The company was recently acquired by Automattic, the company behind WordPress and Tumblr, and plans to merge with the Texts.com messaging app that Automattic acquired last year. Beeper will continue to operate independently under its new ownership.
The new Beeper app is available on both Android and iOS, though the iOS version does not support iMessage integration at this time. The app connects with 14 other chat networks, including Google Messages for RCS texting. Despite being an open source project, Beeper does not officially collaborate with the chat networks it connects to, which could pose privacy risks for users. While Beeper pledges to support the features provided by these services, there may be differences in functionality compared to using the services directly.
CEO Eric Migicovsky stated that there are no immediate changes planned for Beeper following the acquisition by Automattic. The company still intends to offer a premium tier of service in the future. While Beeper promises not to read any messages sent or received through its app, users must trust the app with access tokens and keys to their accounts on other messaging services. Despite these potential privacy concerns, the effort to streamline communication across multiple chat apps may appeal to users who are looking for a more efficient messaging experience.
The acquisition by Automattic places Beeper under the same ownership as WordPress, Pocket Casts, and Tumblr, but there are no plans for integration between these platforms and the Beeper app. The combined team from Beeper and Texts.com will continue to operate independently under the new ownership. Migicovsky, who now oversees Texts.com as Automattic’s Head of Messaging, expressed a commitment to maintaining the status quo for both apps. This move positions Beeper as a player in the messaging app ecosystem, offering a solution for users looking to consolidate their communication channels in one app.
