Beeper, the innovative messaging platform known for its ambitious attempt to integrate iMessage into Android devices, has announced significant updates aimed at enhancing user privacy and expanding functionality through a new subscription service. Following its acquisition by Automattic—the company behind WordPress—in April 2024, Beeper has been relatively quiet. However, the latest developments mark a substantial relaunch of the app, focusing on user security and feature enrichment.
Enhanced Privacy with On-Device Connections
In a move to bolster user privacy, Beeper now offers an option to operate connections entirely on the user’s device, eliminating reliance on Beeper Cloud. This shift ensures that end-to-end encryption is preserved across supported networks, providing a more secure messaging experience. While this enhancement means that some services, such as Slack and Discord, may not function due to their reliance on cloud-based connections, the majority of supported networks are compatible with this on-device approach.
Introduction of ‘Beeper Plus’ Subscription
Building upon its existing free features, Beeper has unveiled Beeper Plus, a subscription service designed to offer users a suite of advanced functionalities:
– Send Later: Schedule messages across any connected service to be sent at a specified time, ensuring timely communication.
– Reminders: Set reminders to revisit specific chats, aiding in effective follow-ups and task management.
– Incognito Mode: Preview messages without triggering read receipts, allowing users to read messages discreetly and respond at their convenience.
– AI Voice Note Transcriptions: Utilize artificial intelligence to transcribe voice messages, facilitating quick reading of audio content without the need to listen.
– Custom App Icons: Personalize the Beeper app with a selection of custom icons to suit individual preferences.
– Multiple Accounts: Add up to three accounts from the same network (e.g., two WhatsApp accounts), with a maximum of ten accounts across different networks.
The standard Beeper Plus subscription is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, effectively offering two months free with the yearly plan. For users requiring more extensive capabilities, the Plus Plus tier is available at $49.99 per month or $499.99 per year, providing unlimited accounts and priority support.
Background and Future Outlook
Beeper’s journey has been marked by its innovative approach to unifying various messaging platforms. The app supports a wide range of services, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, Signal, Matrix, Slack, Google Chat, Discord, LinkedIn, and Google Messages (SMS/RCS). Notably, Beeper previously attempted to integrate iMessage support for Android users through its Beeper Mini app. However, this endeavor faced challenges due to Apple’s restrictions, leading to the eventual removal of Beeper Mini from the Google Play Store in early 2024.
The acquisition by Automattic in April 2024, reportedly valued at $126 million, has provided Beeper with additional resources and expertise to enhance its offerings. The integration of Beeper with Texts.com, another messaging platform acquired by Automattic, has further strengthened its position in the market.
Looking ahead, Beeper aims to continue its mission of simplifying the messaging experience by consolidating multiple platforms into a single, secure application. The introduction of on-device connections and the Beeper Plus subscription are significant steps toward achieving this goal, offering users enhanced privacy and a richer set of features.
As the messaging landscape continues to evolve, Beeper’s commitment to user privacy and functionality positions it as a compelling choice for individuals seeking a unified messaging solution.
