Beeper, the indie multi-service messaging app run by Automattic got popular again. The latest round of updates to the platform provides some promising, meaningful connection and privacy-focused updates. The app now allows users to connect many different messaging services from a single interface. This amendment goes a long way toward ensuring that coordination can happen across all modes of communication. This new version replaces the previous on-cloud model with an on-device one. It connects users directly to messaging networks, so they can avoid the old dependency on Beeper Cloud that some people found constraining.
Now with millions of registered users, many as they migrated from Texts.com, Beeper connects you to all kinds of messaging apps. Users can connect to WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, X, Telegram, Signal, Matrix, Slack, Google Chat, Discord, LinkedIn, and Google Messages (SMS/RCS). At Zoom’s recent Next Gen event, Litter app CEO Kishan Bagaria spoke to this need for privacy in this new virtual landscape. His aim, he said, is to prevent a future in which private server farms train models on user data.
“We also don’t want to have server farms where we have models trained on your data. That’s a complete no-no,” – Kishan Bagaria
In its current form, Beeper is available in a free plan as well as a premium plan called Beeper Plus. The free tier allows you to connect five different messaging services. Beeper Plus, $9.99 Subscribe now Unlock Beeper Plus for ten simultaneously connected messaging services! Premium subscribers have access to a number of powerful, premium-only tools which will help take their messaging to the next level. You can queue messages in advance and schedule reminders for when to follow up. On top of that, you can still read messages in incognito mode, use a second account on each network with them and transcribe AI voice notes run through OpenAI’s Whisper model (with your permission).
To further improve user experience, Beeper is moving to an on-device model.
Containerization of apps This change ensures that end-to-end encryption is preserved throughout all messaging platforms. Bagaria explained that this method safeguards user privacy, similar to what is offered by official apps.
“That ensures that end-to-end encryption is preserved and your privacy is as good as the official app,” – Kishan Bagaria
Whatever their motives, Beeper is quickly expanding its user base. The company intends to make its data available to other companies, though it says it will focus on user consent and control of personal information. In this respect, Beeper has good working relationships with all the major messaging companies, according to Bagaria.
“We have good relationships with some of these companies, and some of them are OK with this,” – Kishan Bagaria
At the same time, he’s recognized that there have been few responses from other companies.
“Others, we have not really heard from much,” – Kishan Bagaria
The refreshed Beeper app will look to deliver a unified experience that’s pain-free, especially to users who can’t live without WhatsApp, iMessage and the lot. By integrating these services and prioritizing privacy, Beeper positions itself as a competitive option in the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication.
