Beeper vs WhatsApp

October Wrap-Up

Beeper's October Wrap-Up announces WeChat integration, multiple accounts on Beeper Cloud, Blasts feature, AI chat integrations (ChatGPT Dots, Grok Bot, Muse), sign-in with Google/Apple, and iPad improvements.

Automattic’s Mesh CRM Launches on Android

Mesh, the personal relationship manager acquired by Automattic (formerly Clay), launched its Android app on August 12, 2026. The Android build supports split-screen and pop-up views, keyboard shortcuts for foldables and tablets, in-app search, home screen widgets with Material You styling, and real-time sync across devices. Mesh offers Nexus AI in early access to query network data, is subscription-supported (free up to 1,000 contacts), and says personal data is not used for ad targeting. Mesh already interoperates with Automattic’s Beeper messaging app and may be integrated more tightly over time.

• Automattic acquired Mesh (formerly Clay) in 2025.
• Mesh’s Android app launched and began rolling out on Google Play on 2026-08-12 for phones, tablets, and foldables as a free download with in-app purchases.
• Android-specific features include split-screen and pop-up views, foldable/tablet keyboard shortcuts, in-app search, Material You home screen widgets, and real-time sync.

WhatsApp Rolls Out Message Text Actions for Contacts

WhatsApp is introducing Message Text Actions, a new feature that automatically detects calendar dates, phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses within chat messages. These entities are underlined with a dotted line, and tapping them reveals context-specific shortcuts such as copying the information, adding a date to the calendar or creating a WhatsApp event, calling a number, composing an email, or opening an address in a map app. The feature operates entirely on-device using regular expressions, ensuring privacy and preserving end-to-end encryption, with no data sent to servers. It will be rolled out gradually to all iOS and Android users over the coming weeks, and users can provide feedback on the accuracy of suggestions.

• WhatsApp is introducing Message Text Actions to automatically recognize phone numbers, dates, email addresses, and physical addresses in chats.
• Detected entities are underlined with a dotted line; tapping reveals shortcuts like copy, add to calendar, create WhatsApp event, call, compose email, or open maps.
• The feature works entirely on-device using regular expressions, sending no data to servers and preserving end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp launches four new group chat features

WhatsApp is rolling out four new features for group chats to help users stay organized. The update introduces an extension to the chat history feature, allowing group members to retroactively send current messages to people who recently joined the group. Additionally, users can now pin important messages permanently without time limits. Status updates can be shared with specific groups instead of all contacts. A new chat filter shows unread conversations in group chats where the user was mentioned or received a direct reply, including messages addressed to all members (@all). The features are being rolled out following feedback from users and are end-to-end encrypted. WhatsApp says it plans to continue improving group chats.

• WhatsApp introduces four new group chat features.
• Group members can send current messages to new members retroactively.
• Important messages can now be pinned permanently without time limit.

WhatsApp Testing Reels Share Button in Chats

WhatsApp is testing a new shortcut that lets users share Instagram Reels directly within chats without switching apps. The button appears in the attachment menu and offers three categories: Recently viewed, Saved, and Liked Reels. The feature is available in Android beta version 2.26.42.9 and requires linking WhatsApp and Instagram via Meta's Accounts Center. The rollout is limited to selected beta testers. This move aims to increase the sharing of Reels, which already sees over 4.5 billion daily shares. It builds on Meta's efforts to integrate Instagram and Facebook content into WhatsApp, simplifying content sharing across its apps.

• WhatsApp tests a new Reels shortcut in the attachment menu of chats.
• The button offers three categories: Recents, Saved, and Liked Reels.
• Feature available in Android beta version 2.26.42.9.