Automattic Expands Messaging Capabilities with Beeper Acquisition
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the messaging sphere, Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has officially welcomed Beeper into its fold. Beeper, known for its short-lived feat of integrating iMessage with Android, has been acquired for a cool 5 million. This acquisition is a clear signal of Automattic’s aspirations to craft a comprehensive cross-platform messaging ecosystem.
The announcement made on Tuesday revealed that Automattic is not only acquiring the company but also bringing onboard Beeper’s team of 27. Eric Migicovsky, Beeper’s co-founder, will be stepping into a pivotal role at Automattic as the “head of messaging.”
In a conversation with Bloomberg, Migicovsky shed light on the vision that drives Beeper. He emphasized the lack of an open standard for chat and Beeper’s commitment to bridging this gap by connecting to existing chat networks. The tussle with Apple, according to Migicovsky, played a part in raising the profile of Beeper and underscored the need for allies in the industry. He lauded Automattic’s prowess in building open-source infrastructure and expressed confidence in their shared vision for an open internet.
Insights from 9to5Google suggest that Beeper will maintain its operational independence, now backed by the resources of Automattic. In a nod to accessibility and in line with the acquisition, Beeper has eliminated its waitlist, opening its doors to all users immediately.
This latest acquisition dovetails with Automattic’s previous purchase of the “Texts” inbox messaging app in October, further cementing its commitment to creating a unified chat application that caters to diverse communication needs.
For those interested in further details, additional information is available courtesy of 9to5Google.
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