Automattic-owned Beeper has announced a significant update to its desktop and iOS apps, merging its service with Texts.com, which Automattic acquired in 2023. The new beta update brings together the features of both platforms, creating a universal messaging service that can connect to and let users message people across multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Slack, and others.

The new desktop version of Beeper is built on the foundations of the Texts desktop app, while the iOS app has been rebuilt from scratch. According to Texts.com founder Kishan Bagaria, the updated app is "the next-gen texts app, now rebranded as Beeper." This move marks a significant development for Beeper, which has been relatively quiet since it gave up its fight to make iMessage work on Android phones and sold to Automattic, the company behind platforms like Wordpress.com and Tumblr.

One of the most notable features of the updated Beeper app is its plan to support Apple's iMessage protocol in the desktop version. This would allow users to access iMessage on non-Apple devices, a feature that has been highly sought after by many users. Additionally, Beeper has promised other future updates, including end-to-end encryption of messages on users' devices instead of Beeper's servers, and support for multiple accounts for a single network.

The integration of Texts.com's features into Beeper is a significant step towards creating a unified messaging platform that can compete with other popular messaging services. With its ability to connect to multiple platforms, Beeper is positioning itself as a convenient and versatile messaging solution for users. The addition of end-to-end encryption and iMessage support will likely make the app more appealing to users who value security and flexibility in their messaging apps.

The update is currently available in beta, with users able to download the desktop version or access the iOS beta through TestFlight. As the app continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it competes with other messaging services and whether it can establish itself as a leading player in the market.

In the broader context, the development of Beeper highlights the ongoing trend towards universal messaging services that can connect users across multiple platforms. As messaging apps continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it's likely that we'll see more consolidation and integration of features across different platforms. The updated Beeper app is a significant step in this direction, and its success will likely have implications for the wider messaging app ecosystem.