Automattic is going all-in on messaging apps
Automattic, the company behind the popular website builder WordPress.com, has announced the acquisition of Texts.com as it looks to break into a new market.
The app works as a central hub for a number of supported messaging platforms and is designed to make tracking messages on those platforms much easier.
With the acquisition, Automattic’s solutions now include publishing, e-commerce, advertising and messaging.
Texts.com is coming to more platforms soon
The app is already available on the desktop, where most employees spend their time. There are macOS, Windows and Linux desktop clients.
Currently, Texts.com supports iMessage, Slack, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, Messenger, LinkedIn, Signal, Discord, and X, and the company has committed to adding more services soon. TechRadar Pro asked for more information about its future plans, including some notable omissions such as Teams, email and SMS. We will update this article if and when we receive more information.
Automattic has also committed to bringing an Android version to customers, and an iOS app is already in development.
Users of the app get access to an additional layer of functionality on top of the messaging app’s existing features, including scheduling sends and marking as unread. In an email to TechRadar Pro, a company spokesperson added:
“And then there’s the plethora of handy keyboard shortcuts, a customizable interface, and even group chat summaries for when you’ve been away for a few hours and come back to over 100 unread messages.”
The service’s founder, Kishan Bagaria, will move to Automattic as the company’s new Head of Messaging, and the rest of Text.com’s workforce will continue to develop the upcoming mobile apps.
Texts.com says sensitive data such as messages and login credentials remain on the device, maintaining end-to-end encryption across supported platforms.
Customers are invited to join one waiting list now, and can expect to pay $12.50 per month (billed annually) to use the app.