Beeper, the multi-network messaging app once embroiled in a battle to access Apple's iMessage, has now been acquired by Automattic, the company behind WordPress. The revamped Android app is now open to everyone, with Beeper and Texts.com, both being acquired by Automattic last year, set to work together. Additionally, Beeper has dropped its waitlist and is inviting over 466,000 people to join its service, with a novel Android app that is out of beta and publicly available.
Key Takeaways
- Beeper merges with Texts.com and is acquired by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.
- All Beeper apps are now openly available and the Android app has been revamped.
- Beeper will consolidate with Texts.com and work together to provide a unified messaging platform.
- Beeper drops its waitlist to use the service and plans to invite 466,000 people from the waitlist.
- Beeper's iMessage bridge may have helped regulators take a deeper look at Apple's members-only messaging.
News Content
Beeper, the multi-network messaging app, has been acquired by Automattic, the company behind WordPress. The app is now open to everyone and has a revamped Android app. All of Beeper's workers will join Automattic and they will continue operating independently. Beeper and Texts.com, acquired last year by Automattic, will work together. Beeper announced that it is dropping its waitlist to use the service, and its Android app is now publicly available. Furthermore, Apple pledged to support enhanced RCS features for SMS messages sent to non-Apple devices. The company avoided opening up its iMessage protocol by the European Digital Markets Act because iMessage was deemed not influential enough in business communications.
The acquisition will likely lead Beeper and Texts.com to consolidate into one platform that aligns closely with the companies' mission statements. Beeper's creator expressed excitement over having the support of Automattic, known for its open-source projects like WordPress, WooCommerce, and Simplenote. Additionally, the news revealed that Beeper has given up on its goals of opening up encrypted iMessage access to everyone, and Apple's antitrust lawsuit suggests that regulators are taking a deeper look at the company's messaging services.
The acquisition by Automattic and the dropping of the waitlist signify significant changes for Beeper, indicating a more inclusive and accessible approach. It also reflects the ongoing competition and regulatory scrutiny in the messaging platform market, particularly related to Apple's iMessage protocol and its impact on the broader communication landscape.
Analysis
The acquisition of Beeper by Automattic signals a shift towards a more inclusive and accessible messaging platform. This move will likely lead to consolidation with Texts.com and align closely with the companies' mission statements. Beeper's decision to drop its waitlist and release its Android app publicly suggests significant short-term changes. In the long term, the acquisition signifies increased competition and regulatory scrutiny in the messaging platform market, particularly related to Apple's iMessage protocol. The antitrust lawsuit against Apple and its impact on broader communication landscape may lead to further industry shifts.
Do You Know?
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Automattic: The parent company behind WordPress, WooCommerce, and Simplenote, known for its open-source projects and content management system. The acquisition of Beeper and Texts.com aligns with Automattic's mission to expand its presence in the messaging platform market.
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RCS features for SMS: Apple's pledge to support enhanced RCS (Rich Communication Services) features for SMS messages sent to non-Apple devices indicates a move towards improving the messaging experience for users on different platforms. This could have implications for the standardization and interoperability of messaging services across devices.
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European Digital Markets Act: The decision to not open up Apple's iMessage protocol under the European Digital Markets Act reflects the ongoing regulatory scrutiny of messaging services and the debate around their influence in business communications. Apple's iMessage has been a focal point in discussions about antitrust practices and competition in the messaging platform market.