This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
The new universal chat app “Beeper” combines 15 different chat platforms in a single inbox and enables the use of iMessage on Android and Windows.
Like The Verge reported, Beeper comes from a team led by former Pebble CEO Eric Migicovsky and allows users to integrate a range of messaging services, including WhatsApp, SMS, Signal, Telegram, Slack, Twitter, Skype, Hangouts, Discord, Instagram and Facebook Messenger, into a single inbox.
But the most striking feature is the support for Apple's iMessage, since the service is officially only available on Apple devices. But how is that possible without Apple's Go? To offer iMessage in Beeper, the app uses "a few tricks." The official FAQ states that a Mac that is always online and running the Beeper app is required. Accordingly, a network-connected Mac serves as a bridge.
Beeper is based on Matrix messaging protocol
Alternatively, a jailbroken iPhone can also serve as a bridge. This solution is intended for those users who do not want to or cannot use a Mac. The app is based on the open source Matrix messaging protocol. While the clear short-term goal is to make chatting across different services easier, Migicovsky discussed the prospect of all users gradually switching to the open source Matrix itself to chat, rather than just using it as a bridge between services. After all, it is clearer and more convenient. The app will not be made available for free, however. To use the service, users must pay around $10 a month. The app will be available on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. Anyone interested can sign up for an invitation on the Beeper website. requestto use the service before its official launch. (Image: Beeper)
