If there’s one thing that iPhone and Android users both agree on, it’s the hatred of green bubbles. The green bubble is a pox on the messaging industry. It destroys group messages and breaks up relationships.
A new app names SunbirdThis is a change we want to make. The concept of the system is simple. Android users will be allowed to text their iPhone friends like they were using an iPhone. It’s currently in closed beta. Macworld was shown a demo of the system in use and it’s pretty slick: Sign in with an Apple ID, authenticate your account with your two-factor authentication code, and start texting.
The developers claim that since it is using Apple’s own iMessage system, Sunbird doesn’t store your Apple ID password on its servers and all messages are still end-to-end encrypted: “Users get security (encryption), internet messaging, full-quality media, iMessage group chats, reactions/tap backs, live-typing, and read receipts, with plans to add new features regularly.”
This isn’t the first time someone has tried to bring Android: iMessage to AndroidIt is not the easiest, but it appears to be the most straightforward. Other solutions require a Mac or iPhone with software. Communicates with a dedicated serverSunbird is free, but it requires minimal setup and no investment. The developers say it will be free “for now,” with no plans to monetize the service at launch.
Sunbird hopes to bring iMessage on Android phones.
Sunbird
Sunbird is being expanded to other messaging apps. Whatsapp, Telegram and Messenger are the first on the list. The goal is to turn Sunbird into a one-stop messaging app that lets you communicate with anyone on any platform no matter what service or OS they’re using. Sunbird is also going to have a web app.
“By inventing new technology that gives Android users iMessage on Android, one can enjoy the most popular functions and features uniting the top messaging apps that people use every day,” said Danny Mizrahi, CEO, and Founder of Sunbird Messaging. “One inbox for all your messages.”
Although it is unclear if Apple will allow Sunbird access to its services without any restrictions, Sunbird says it brings the entire iMessage experience—typing prompts, uncompressed photos and videos, and of course, blue bubbles—to Android phones and isn’t reliant on Apple to play along. However, Apple has admitted that iMessage “lock-in” is one of the biggest reasons why it hasn’t brought the service to Android, so it will likely take umbrage with Sunbird’s app. It’s unclear what recourse Apple has since the app will be in the Google Play Store and not the App Store, but Apple’s lawyers will likely take a long hard look.
For now, Android users Join a WaitlistSunbird’s closed beta program. So the next time your Android friend texts you a message with a blue bubble, it might not mean they’ve switched phones—it might just mean they downloaded a new app.
