From CNET: Beeper Mini has returned to operation on Monday as a free iMessage-texting app on Android, but with a number of tweaks following the service's disconnection from Apple's messaging service late last week.
In addition to being free, Beeper announced in its blog post that the service now requires an Apple ID to function. Beeper doesn't store Apple ID credentials, but you still need to provide your Apple ID and password to sign up for the service, as with other third-party iMessage apps like Beeper's original app -- now named Beeper Cloud -- and the short-lived Nothing Chats. That can be concerning for iPhone users, considering your Apple ID is your link to the App Store and other Apple services. Apple on Saturday said it had blocked iMessage from services trying to provide workarounds like these over security concerns.
Since you can't register a phone number with Beeper, texts can only be sent from the email address associated with an Apple ID. This is similar to using iMessage from a Mac or an iPad. An iPhone-using contact may want to save your Apple ID email address in order to display texts in the same manner as those that came from your phone number.
Beeper co-founder Eric Migicovsky said in the blog post that the service will remain free until it can stabilize, at which time it will be $2 per month and meant to eventually incorporate other chat services. Users who previously signed up for the subscription can turn it off and still use the app, or choose to remain subscribed to support the project.
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