In a strategic move that has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts, Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, acquired the innovative messaging app Beeper for $125 million last year. This acquisition is set to reshape the messaging landscape as Beeper embarks on merging its capabilities with Texts.com, another promising service in the messaging sphere. As part of this transition, Beeper has just unveiled its first redesigned apps for iOS and desktop, promising enhanced speed, reduced battery consumption, and a host of new features aimed at providing users with a more seamless communication experience. This introduction of upgraded apps marks a significant step forward in the evolution of Beeper under Automattic’s leadership, highlighting their commitment to privacy and user-friendly design.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Automattic (owner of WordPress.com) |
| Acquisition | Beeper for $125 million |
| Merger | Beeper with Texts.com |
| New Apps Release | First set of redesigned apps for iOS and desktop in beta |
| App Development | Desktop app based on Texts.com; iOS app created from scratch |
| Performance Improvements | Faster and consumes less battery |
| Data Storage | Currently uses Beeper Cloud; future versions will store data on the device |
| Privacy Features | On-device encryption for improved privacy and security |
| Multiple Accounts Support | Supports multiple accounts linked to the same messaging service |
| Future Plans for Mac App | Will allow users to send and receive iMessages |
| Founder of Beeper | Eric Migicovsky |
| Previous Ventures | Founded Pebble smartwatch and was a partner at Y-Combinator |
| Current Role | Head of messaging at Automattic |
| Recent Focus | Rebuilding Pebble smartwatch |
The Exciting Merger of Beeper and Texts.com
Last year, Automattic, the owner of WordPress.com, made headlines by acquiring Beeper, a multi-service messaging app, for a whopping $125 million. This acquisition was significant because it aimed to combine Beeper’s innovative features with those of Texts.com, another messaging platform already under Automattic’s wing. By merging these two applications, the company hopes to create a more powerful tool that makes messaging easier and more efficient for everyone.
With this merger, Beeper has recently released redesigned apps for both iOS and desktop users. These new apps are in beta testing, meaning they are still being improved before the final release. The desktop app builds on the existing Texts.com platform, while the iOS app has been developed from scratch to ensure a better user experience. The updates promise faster performance and reduced battery consumption, making it ideal for busy users who rely heavily on messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beeper and who owns it?
Beeper is a multi-service messaging app owned by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, which acquired it for $125 million.
What new features are included in the redesigned Beeper apps?
The new Beeper apps for iOS and desktop are faster, use less battery, and feature on-device encryption for better privacy and security.
How does the merger with Texts.com affect Beeper users?
Users can still use the old app, but an easy transition to the new Beeper apps is planned after the merger with Texts.com.
Where does Beeper store messages and data?
Currently, Beeper stores messages and credentials in the Beeper Cloud, but future versions will save this data directly on the device.
Can I use multiple accounts with Beeper?
Yes, the new Beeper apps will support multiple accounts linked to the same messaging service for user convenience.
Who founded Beeper and what is his background?
Beeper was founded by Eric Migicovsky, known for creating the Pebble smartwatch and being a partner at Y-Combinator.
Will the Mac app support iMessages in the future?
Yes, the upcoming Mac app version will allow users to send and receive iMessages.
Summary
Automattic, the owner of WordPress.com, acquired the messaging app Beeper for $125 million and plans to merge it with Texts.com. Beeper has launched redesigned apps for iOS and desktop in beta, improving speed and battery usage. Users can still access the old app, but a transition to the new apps will be made easier later. The new apps will store data on devices for better privacy and feature on-device encryption. Beeper’s founder, Eric Migicovsky, who also created the Pebble smartwatch, is now focusing on rebuilding Pebble after his role in the messaging division.
