Sunbird Revives iMessage on Android with Subscription Service
Sunbird, a messaging app, has re-launched on Android, offering iMessage features like blue bubbles, reactions, and high-quality media sharing. The service costs $2.99 per month and aims to bridge the gap between Android and iPhone users. However, the app's return comes after a three-year hiatus due to security vulnerabilities.
Key points
- Sunbird, a messaging app, has re-launched on the Google Play Store after a three-year absence due to security concerns.
- The app offers iMessage features like blue bubbles, reactions, threaded replies, and high-quality media sharing to Android users.
- Sunbird promises end-to-end encryption for messages, with encryption occurring directly on the smartphone before sending.
- The service is available via a subscription priced at $2.99 per month.
- The app's return aims to address the gap between Android and iPhone users, who previously had to compromise on features like image quality and reactions.
Sunbird Revives iMessage on Android with Subscription Service
Sunbird, a messaging app, has re-launched on Android after a three-year hiatus. The app offers iMessage features like blue bubbles, reactions, threaded replies, and high-quality media sharing to Android users. The service costs $2.99 per month and aims to bridge the gap between Android and iPhone users.
The app's return comes after a significant crisis of trust, as it was removed from the Google Play Store in 2020 due to security vulnerabilities. Sunbird claims to have completely revamped its architecture, with messages now being encrypted directly on the smartphone before being sent.
While the app's return may be seen as a positive development for Android users, it also raises questions about the cost and security of the service. Analysts say that the $2.99 per month subscription fee may be a barrier for some users, while others may be concerned about the app's ability to protect user data.
The EU has not commented on the app's return, but regulators have expressed concerns about the use of end-to-end encryption in messaging apps. As the app gains traction, it will be interesting to see how regulators and users respond to its return.
Sources
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