Automattic, the owner of WordPress.com, acquired Beeper, a multi-service messaging app, for $125 million last year, with plans to merge it with Texts.com, another acquisition in the same category. Now, Beeper has released the first set of redesigned apps for iOS and desktop in beta, marking a significant milestone in the merger.

In a blog post, Beeper announced that it built the desktop app using the foundation of the Texts.com app, while the iOS app was developed from scratch. The company claims that the new set of apps are faster and less battery-hungry, providing a better user experience.

Texts.com founder Kishan Bagaria took to X to reassure users that they can still use the old app, but the company will soon provide an easy way to migrate to the new set of apps. This move is likely to ensure a seamless transition for users and minimize disruptions.

The new apps come with several significant upgrades, including the use of Beeper Cloud to store messages and credentials for other services. In upcoming versions, all this data will be stored on-device, enhancing user privacy and security. Additionally, the apps will feature on-device encryption and support multiple accounts associated with the same messaging service.

Bagaria also hinted at future developments, including the ability to send and receive iMessages on the Mac app. This feature will likely be a welcome addition for users who rely on iMessage for their messaging needs.

Beeper was founded by Eric Migicovsky, the founder of the Pebble smartwatch and a partner at Y-Combinator. After the acquisition, Migicovsky became the head of messaging at Automattic. However, in a surprising turn of events, Migicovsky announced last month that he is refocusing on building Pebble again, leaving the future of his involvement with Beeper uncertain.

The release of the redesigned apps marks a significant step forward for Beeper and Automattic, as they continue to integrate their services and provide a better experience for users. As the messaging landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Beeper and its competitors adapt to changing user needs and preferences.

The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the messaging app ecosystem as a whole. As Beeper continues to innovate and improve its services, it may inspire other players in the market to follow suit, driving progress and innovation in the industry.