iMessage for Android App 'Beeper Mini' is Back, Apple ID Sign In Now Required and Phone Numbers Don't Work

[bobcomer]

2. You can freely use whatever options.

That's not quite right, you can't use any other MMS/SMS option with your phone number. It's a problem to say the least, you're pretty much missing out on a lot of services.

Now if they did allow making something else the default MMS/SMS client, that would be a GOOD thing. I'd switch to an RCS client in a heartbeat for more communications cross platform.

But we both know Apple wont do that, so no third party default MMS/SMS client. My bank (and others) doesn't offer notifications via the other third party messaging apps, only MMS/SMS -- so I *can't* turn off iMessage if I have an iPhone. That's the definition of a monopoly. And to tell the truth, I'm getting || close to saying the heck with it, I don't want an iPhone, it's way to stifling and controlled by Apple -- and soon after that, my other apple devices will go by the wayside. I already consider android superior in just about every way, it's only a matter of time. I'm only keeping it for an app that I need for work, for the time being. (It's available for android, but getting the data across is pretty much impossible, and that's Microsoft's fault, not Apple. I can do it a piece at a time, and already started moving it)

 

[I7guy]

The first actual dictionary definition I find is: "tending to reduce or discourage competition". In my view that's exactly what Apple achieves by leveraging its position as the OS maker to give iMessage an advantage on iOS. I'm not claiming it blocks competition. Obviously by allowing other apps to be installed it doesn't block competition, but its practices does tend to reduce or discourage it. Also, I'm not fixated on this anticompetitive point. I'm more interested in the negative impact Apple exerts on the general cross-platform messaging landscape regardless of whether or not we are taking about so-called anticompetitive actions.

Apple is enetiled to have a monopoly in the products it develops that are patented by them regardless of whether or not there is some other benefits to people who do t hold the patents.

 

[scorpio vega]

The first actual dictionary definition I find is: "tending to reduce or discourage competition". In my view that's exactly what Apple achieves by leveraging its position as the OS maker to give iMessage an advantage on iOS. I'm not claiming it blocks competition. Obviously by allowing other apps to be installed it doesn't block competition, but its practices does tend to reduce or discourage it. Also, I'm not fixated on this anticompetitive point. I'm more interested in the negative impact Apple exerts on the general cross-platform messaging landscape regardless of whether or not we are taking about so-called anticompetitive actions.

And again they are not reducing nor discouraging competition lmao.
You have spent DAYS trying to move the goal posts to score one and you are failing everytime.

1. it was Anti-competitive that Apple refuses to bring iMessage to Android (it's not)
2. Apple is being anti-competitive to other messaging apps by making iMessage and SMS bundled together (they arent)
3. Apple is discouraging or reducing competition (they aren't)
4. Now you are not fixated on the anticompetitive point despite LITERALLY using the word in almost every post.

There is no anticompetitive action.

Reducing or discouraging competition would be if Apple buried all the messaging apps in a very deep section that makes it hard to find (which literally goes against Apple's ethos).

Reducing or discouraging competition would be if I go into my Photos to send a selfie i just took and Apple makes MESSAGES bold but i have to go through 5 or 6 submenus to be able to share it via telegram or snap(which again goes against Apple's ethos).

Apple (USUALLY) does not want to make things difficult for the user. They want it to simply just work. Apple does not make it at all hard to use any other messaging app.

You are incredibly wrong but I am feeling generous so i will give you a point.

In Imessage, I can easily use apple pay with my iPhone contacts (Another reason why Apple users like knowing who has blue bubbles because i know what features can work and cant) but what about my android friends? I want to use google pay or paypal. I can't do that. I guess Apple is suddenly being anticompetitve.

Oh wait. There's a Google Pay and Paypal app that literally allows me to do just that.

Just stop

 

[bobcomer]

You do realize by default on Android phones Google messages is the default messaging app. Gmail is the default messaging app. Chrome is the default messaging app (On most).

But you can at least change the defaults. Goggle messages wasn't the default, but I changed it to the default.

 

[scorpio vega]

That's not quite right, you can't use any other MMS/SMS option with your phone number. It's a problem to say the least, you're pretty much missing out on a lot of services.

Now if they did allow making something else the default MMS/SMS client, that would be a GOOD thing. I'd switch to an RCS client in a heartbeat for more communications cross platform.

But we both know Apple wont do that, so no third party default MMS/SMS client. My bank (and others) doesn't offer notifications via the other third party messaging apps, only MMS/SMS -- so I *can't* turn off iMessage if I have an iPhone. That's the definition of a monopoly. And to tell the truth, I'm getting || close to saying the heck with it, I don't want an iPhone, it's way to stifling and controlled by Apple -- and soon after that, my other apple devices will go by the wayside. I already consider android superior in just about every way, it's only a matter of time. I'm only keeping it for an app that I need for work, for the time being. (It's available for android, but getting the data across is pretty much impossible, and that's Microsoft's fault, not Apple. I can do it a piece at a time, and already started moving it)

Except Android fanboys on MR have proven a point that no one outside of US is using SMS/MMS so my phone number is irrelevant.

And you have failed to prove how I am incorrect because whatsapp/telegram/kik/snapchat/kakao talk/etc are not using SMS/MMS.

Your can turn off iMessage. You literally are not making sense. iMessages are only messages sent between Apple devices. Your bank sending you notifications is via SMS. Meaning if you go into your settings and turn off iMessage, any message you receive to your number will be green because you are not using iMessage. Turning iMessage off doesnt disable SMS or MMS, it disables blue bubbles.

Android is not superior by any means but feel free to jump over

 

[scorpio vega]

But you can at least change the defaults. Goggle messages wasn't the default, but I changed it to the default.

You do realize IOS and Android work differently?
I dont need to be able to change defaults when I simply dont have to use the App.

I can literally never use Messages and use whatsapp if I wanted to.

you can change the default browser on iPhone.

Like neither one of you have a point and the more you keep trying to defend a lack of one, you just look silly, friend.

 

[bobcomer]

Except Android fanboys on MR have proven a point that no one outside of US is using SMS/MMS so my phone number is irrelevant.

I'm not outside the U.S..

And you have failed to prove how I am incorrect because whatsapp/telegram/kik/snapchat/kakao talk/etc are not using SMS/MMS.

As I said, my bank and other companies only use MMS/SMS, those other apps wont work for that.

Your can turn off iMessage. You literally are not making sense. iMessages are only messages sent between Apple devices. Your bank sending you notifications is via SMS. Meaning if you go into your settings and turn off iMessage, any message you receive to your number will be green because you are not using iMessage. Turning iMessage off doesnt disable SMS or MMS, it disables blue bubbles.

I think I'll have to do some testing on that, perhaps I'm wrong on that point, I was equating iMessages with Apple's message app.

Unfortunately I would wouldn't be able to get media or group chats from the people I know with iPhones though, so it would be hard to turn off iMessages.

Android is not superior by any means but feel free to jump over

That's a personal opinion, as was mine. I know there is nothing I can do on my iPhone that I can't do on my Flip5, and I can do things on my Flip that I can't do on my iPhone. (like changing the default apps. <g>)

 

[bobcomer]

You do realize IOS and Android work differently?

Of course, but the both serve the same purposes.

I can literally never use Messages and use whatsapp if I wanted to.

I can't, I need messages for business and personal reasons.

you can change the default browser on iPhone.

So? That's just one minor app I rarely use on any phone. Too small a screen to be useful. I do find it odd that you can't change the default browser by using an apple app, you do it by using a setting in the browser of choice. I can't change my default messaging app on iOS.

Like neither one of you have a point and the more you keep trying to defend a lack of one, you just look silly, friend.

That doesn't even make sense, but whatever.

 

[scorpio vega]

So? That's just one minor app I rarely use on any phone. Too small a screen to be useful. I do find it odd that you can't change the default browser by using an apple app, you do it by using a setting in the browser of choice. I can't change my default messaging app on iOS.

You can literally NOT use the messaging app and use whatever messaging app you so see fit. In the case of most of the world that is whatsapp. I am not sure why you are having a hard time getting that.

 

[ozaz]

1. it was Anti-competitive that Apple refuses to bring iMessage to Android (it's not)
2. Apple is being anti-competitive to other messaging apps by making iMessage and SMS bundled together (they arent)
3. Apple is discouraging or reducing competition (they aren't)
4. Now you are not fixated on the anticompetitive point despite LITERALLY using the word in almost every post.

1. Never once said its anti-competitive of Apple to refuse to bring iMessage to Android. I don't care about iMessage being brought to Android. My issue is with how Apple leverages iOS and the impact this has on the overall landscape of cross-platform messaging.
2. Disagree, and obviously we won't reach agreement on this.
3. Disagree, and obviously we won't reach agreement on this.
4. This is only because you and someone else challenged whether I was using the term appropriately which led to multiple posts on the topic. If you hadn't of done that, it would have only been used in one post, and my original 2-3 posts didn't use the term anti-competitive.

Apple is enetiled to have a monopoly in the products it develops that are patented by them regardless of whether or not there is some other benefits to people who do t hold the patents.

Sure. But given they often present themselves as a socially responsible company, people are also entitled to by unhappy with them when they take actions which so blatantly prioritise themselves over alternative actions which could have wider positive impact. If they didn't promote themselves this way there would be less to be unhappy about.

And to be clear, there are lots of things some people dislike about Apple that doesn't bother me, such as overcharging on accessories or ram upgrade, or creating platform lock-in by not offering most services on other platforms. As someone who doesn't use many Apple products these days, I don't care about any of that. But Apple's approach to messaging does have a wider impact than just Apple devices and Apple users so I do care about this.

 

[scorpio vega]

That's a personal opinion, as was mine. I know there is nothing I can do on my iPhone that I can't do on my Flip5, and I can do things on my Flip that I can't do on my iPhone. (like changing the default apps. <g>)

I can do almost 95 percent of what I do on my iPhone on my Galaxy 22....Heck, even on my old Lumia (well maybe 70 percent). Doesnt mean it won't be inferior becuase it is an inferior OS.

I think I'll have to do some testing on that, perhaps I'm wrong on that point, I was equating iMessages with Apple's message app.

Unfortunately I would wouldn't be able to get media or group chats from the people I know with iPhones though, so it would be hard to turn off iMessages.

Turning off iMessage simply stops blue bubbles and all the messages will be Green. So you would get the banking apps notifications and messages from iPhone users as SMS/MMS.

 

[scorpio vega]

4. This is only because you and someone else challenged whether I was using the term appropriately which led to multiple posts on the topic. If you hadn't of done that, it would have only been used in one post, and my original 2-3 posts didn't use the term anti-competitive

Because you literally were using a word incorrectly and spewing misinformation.

But Apple's approach to messaging does have a wider impact than just Apple devices and Apple users so I do care about this.

Which is solved by cross platform messaging apps that literally 3/4 of the world are using. So you really are not making sense and just blaming apple for something ridiculous that is fixed and will be fixed more when they add RCS which i have read is actually not even that reliable.

 

[bobcomer]

You can literally NOT use the messaging app and use whatever messaging app you so see fit. In the case of most of the world that is whatsapp. I am not sure why you are having a hard time getting that.

As I said, I *have* to use messages for *business* and personal reasons. I don't care what most of the world uses. Business don't use Whatsapp around here. (or anyone else I know) I'm having an ever harder time understanding why you don't get what I'm saying.

 

[I7guy]

[…].



Sure. But given they often present themselves as a socially responsible company, people are also entitled to by unhappy with them when they take actions which so blatantly prioritise themselves over alternative actions which could have wider positive impact. If they didn't promote themselves this way there would be less to be unhappy about.

I think two ideas are being conflated. Apple is a for profit consumer oriented company who is socially responsible as they believe. That does not mean giving away their assets.

You can be unhappy with them as you see fit and vent out on a public forum and call them hypocrites but I understand apples interest in iMessage.

And to be clear, there are lots of things some people dislike about Apple that doesn't bother me, such as overcharging on accessories or ram upgrade, or creating platform lock-in by not offering most services on other platforms. As someone who doesn't use many Apple products these days, I don't care about any of that. But Apple's approach to messaging does have a wider impact than just Apple devices and Apple users so I do care about this.

Sure and I get your point except lock in, which is made up.

 

[scorpio vega]

As I said, I *have* to use messages for *business* and personal reasons. I don't care what most of the world uses. Business don't use Whatsapp around here. (or anyone else I know) I'm having an ever harder time understanding why you don't get what I'm saying.

Okay so if RCS is coming then why are you and others so adamant to have iMessage?

 

[bobcomer]

Okay so if RCS is coming then why are you and others so adamant to have iMessage?

What I meant is I can't use Whatsapp. But to expand on what you asked, it's just the best way to do things I need, but I really only need iMessages to communicate with other iPhone users. MMS/SMS are perfectly adequate for my other needs. (getting communications from businesses mainly)

When RCS comes to iMessage, if it comes, then that will be a lot better for me. Whether I keep an iPhone, or not.

 

[_Refurbished_]

Lmao because we can’t change icons or add some launcher? BuT My CuStOMizAtIoN…..

Android is a mid at best software that does a lot and nothing good.

But lets brag about being apple to download multiple stores or buying phones where most phones released are already running last gen software and unless you spend money on Samsung or pixel, hope your phones are actually updated.

Or depending on which android you by it is fragmented because one phone might have features and software that the others don’t.
I could go on and on.

But hey at least you can change icons and brag about how much better google is than apple.

While you guys are trying to use apple
Services (imessage). The irony.

I mean if you want to try and justify piracy go
For it.

And this is why android and its users get the reputation it has.

Lmao if iMessage is the only reason you buy iPhones that’s quite sad but I guess we all have our reasons. Despite there being multiple apps that already do what iMessage does and is cross platform.

When I am forced to use android I don’t think I ever went “golly gee I wish i had blue texts right now”


Plz stop using kids and trivializing them over a phone preference. Most kids are not bullying kids over a phone.



They use android. They’re used to downloading shady stuff. It’s kind of the appeal of android so I’m sure they aren’t worried about their credentials being used if that means they can stick it to apple.

It’s mostly peer pressure, which is a form of bullying. My niece’s best friend, who is economically challenged, pulled out an old iPhone one day after using her Android for about a year. Kind of shocked her mom got her one, but her response was “everyone kept bothering me in the group chat to get one”.

So plz stop being so naive. This is just one story of many, I’m sure.

 

[scorpio vega]

It’s mostly peer pressure, which is a form of bullying. My niece’s best friend, who is economically challenged, pulled out an old iPhone one day after using her Android for about a year. Kind of shocked her mom got her one, but her response was “everyone kept bothering me in the group chat to get one”.

So plz stop being so naive. This is just one story of many, I’m sure.

I tell my friends all the time to get an iPhone. Daily.
there is a difference in making fun of her because she is low income (which is bullying) or playful nagging about getting an iPhone

i doubt she is being bullied.

 

[Harthag]

i doubt she is being bullied.

That is quite a judgmental reply. Just because you don't see bullying in your world doesn't mean it isn't happening. I have personally never seen anyone get bullied over text message / group chat and haven't heard about it in my local world. That said, I don't deny that it is happening.

 

[BaldiMac]

But you can at least change the defaults. Goggle messages wasn't the default, but I changed it to the default.

A default is all but irrelevant for a messaging app on iOS since you access them all through the same share sheet.

 

[Velli]

Yes, that feature is NOT supported in 3rd party applications. But normal Memoji Stickers work.

Back to square one then.

 

[missingar]

A default is all but irrelevant for a messaging app on iOS since you access them all through the same share sheet.

It is relevant, because whatever app is your default messaging app is where your SMS/RCS notifications come from and the app that opens when you tap said notification. On iOS, your only choice is the built in Messages. On Android there are tons of different apps that can be used as the default messaging app. In fact, Samsung phones now come with two choices out of the box, Google or Samsung messages app.

You can literally NOT use the messaging app and use whatever messaging app you so see fit.

Can you outline the process of using any messaging app i want to send/receive SMS/RCS on my primary phone number using iOS? I'm not seeing the choice to not use Messages.

 

[Harthag]

Can you outline the process of using any messaging app i want to send/receive SMS/RCS on my primary phone number using iOS? I'm not seeing the choice to not use Messages.

It's not worth it just stop feeding it / them. Although I am curious what this alternate app will be on iOS. No matter how many times interoperability is stated as the priority for getting Apple on board with RCS, the responses are all the same. Either get an iPhone, use WhatsApp / everyone uses WhatsApp / something else and no one uses SMS/MMS so why can't you use something else / there are plenty of other superior options, etc. It's futile 😂. Oh yeah, and we want blue bubbles too. How could I forget.

 

[Iwavvns]

It's not worth it just stop feeding it / them. No matter how many times this is stated as the priority for getting Apple on board with RCS, the responses are all the same. Either get an iPhone, use WhatsApp / everyone uses WhatsApp / something else and no one uses SMS/MMS so why can't you use something else / there are plenty of other superior options, etc. It's futile 😂. Oh yeah, and we want blue bubbles too. How could I forget.

I wonder if some people are more interested in getting their way rather than being brave enough to jettison their comfort zone.

 

[scorpio vega]

I wonder if some people are more interested in getting their way rather than being brave enough to jettison their comfort zone.

Side-note, isn't there an actual sub-section of Android on MR? I honestly dont think i have seen this much pro-android stuff on MR since i have been here OUTSIDE that subsection than i have in the past two weeks.

Wild.