Nothing is becoming the first Android brand to offer Apple‘s iMessage-like features, exclusively available on iPhones, to Android users. The London-based smartphone maker has announced a new messaging platform called Nothing Chats, specifically designed for Nothing Phone (2) users. This marks a significant departure from other iMessage clients on Android, which traditionally have been developed by third parties rather than the brand itself.
Starting this Friday, November 17th, Nothing Phone 2 owners will be able to experience the coveted blue bubbles of iMessage, enabling seamless communication with iPhone users. Nothing states that the intention to bring iMessage to Android is due to its aim to break down barriers between phone users by providing messaging services powered by Sunbird. The company asserts that, in order to achieve this goal, users must trust Sunbird.
According to the company Sunbird’s architecture is designed to deliver messages directly between users without storing them on any intermediary servers. However, to ensure seamless iMessage integration, Sunbird temporarily stores user iCloud credentials in an encrypted database on a Mac Mini located in either the US or Europe, depending on the user’s region. These credentials serve as a relay for iMessages sent through the app. After two weeks of inactivity, Sunbird securely deletes this account information, explained Nothing’s US head of PR, Jane Nho, in an email conversation with The Verge.
How Nothing Chats work
“Nothing Chats” app enables users to exchange messages through blue bubbles. The app is currently in a Beta phase, with plans for additional features and improvements in the future. Users can stay informed about updates by signing up for notifications.
To use Nothing Chats, users will need to log in with their respective Apple IDs to set up the app with iMessage. The company emphasizes that chats on this platform will maintain end-to-end encryption, aligning with Sunbird’s privacy policy.
In a video on YouTube, Nothing CEO and co-founder Carl Pei provides further insights into the app’s features. He reveals that once available the Nothing Chats will support both individual and group messaging, complemented by features like typing indicators, full-size media sharing, and voice notes.
While read receipts, message reactions, and message replies will be initially unavailable, they are slated for inclusion in future updates. The company encourages users to stay tuned for upcoming developments as the app undergoes continuous refinement during its Beta phase. The Nothing Chats app is scheduled to launch on November 17 and will initially be available to users in North America, the EU, and other European countries. The app’s initial rollout will be limited to these regions; the company has not yet announced when it will be expanded to other countries or to older Nothing Phone (1) models. Source: India Today