Today marks a significant milestone for Beeper, the unified chat application that first debuted in 2021. The platform has announced it is doing away with its invite-only model, allowing anyone to access its services without the need for an invitation or joining a waitlist—a queue that previously held up to 450,000 hopeful users.
Effective immediately, those interested in Beeper can download and start using the app at no cost across multiple platforms, including Android, mac, Windows and Linux systems. This move simplifies the process of joining Beeper, particularly for Android users who can now set up network connections directly through their phones. Previously, this setup required using the desktop app.
But what can you do with Beeper? Well, it works by unifying user’s messaging experience, integrating the likes of Messenger, Discord, Telegram, Instagram, Slack, and more in one platform. This makes it easier to switch to different messaging platforms in just a click.
As Beeper broadens its user base, questions about the app’s cost to run have surfaced. CEO Eric Migicovsky assures that Beeper will maintain a free tier indefinitely, which includes the existing features such as connecting various chat networks within Beeper. A paid subscription model is also on the horizon, aimed at enhancing the user experience with additional capabilities akin to those offered by Discord Nitro and Telegram Premium. For instance, operating multiple instances of the same chat service (like having two WhatsApp accounts) would be considered a premium feature.
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Beeper is also undergoing a technical shift, phasing out cloud bridges in favor of a device-based system for syncing messages between apps, Beeper, and other devices. This change enhances security and draws inspiration from the technology behind Beeper Mini’s iMessage connection. The new system is already active for users connecting through Signal.
Lastly, Beeper has also announced a change in its ownership structure. Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has acquired Beeper. Despite the acquisition, Migicovsky, who now serves as Automattic’s “Head of Messaging,” states that Beeper will continue its independent operations with the added backing of Automattic’s resources. Furthermore, Automattic’s own messaging service, Texts.com, is set to merge with Beeper, although specifics regarding the transition for existing Texts.com users are yet to be disclosed.
Beeper’s updated offerings, including the new Android version, are currently available via Google Play, while revamped desktop and iOS versions are reportedly in development.