Beeper adds 'Plus' subscription with AI transcription and enhanced privacy

Beeper, the chat app that briefly brought iMessage to Android, is implementing a significant update that introduces new privacy controls and a subscription service called "Beeper Plus".

Following its acquisition by Automattic, the company has relaunched the app with a clearer focus on user security and premium features. The core functionality of the app will remain free for all users.

A major update is the new option for users to manage connections entirely on their personal device, forgoing the Beeper Cloud infrastructure. This approach preserves end-to-end encryption for supported messaging services.

Opting for on-device connections means that certain services, specifically Slack and Discord, will no longer function within the app, although most networks are compatible.

The "Beeper Plus" subscription introduces several new capabilities to the platform. It includes a "Send Later" function that acts as a message scheduler for any connected service and "Reminders" to help you revisit a chat later.

An "Incognito Mode" allows you to preview messages without triggering read receipts from the sender. Additionally, the service provides "AI Voice Note Transcriptions," which can convert voice messages to text even if the native chat application lacks the feature.

The subscription also allows for the use of multiple accounts from the same network—up to three per network with a maximum of ten total—and unlocks custom app icons.

The standard Beeper Plus tier is available for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. A "Plus Plus" tier, designed for heavy users, costs $49.99 per month or $499.99 per year and supports unlimited accounts along with priority support.