Sunbird to Temporarily Discontinue iMessage for Android
Staff ReporterConcerns over message encryption have prompted Sunbird, the Android equivalent of iMessage, to halt operations due to security issues temporarily.
Sunbird was a 2022 startup that provided end-to-end encryption, no data collecting, and ad-free messaging in an attempt to settle the blue-green bubble controversy.
Carl Pei's phone brand, Nothing, and Sunbird worked together last week to launch Nothing Chats.
A few days after it was released, Nothing discovered a number of flaws that led to the app's removal from the Play Store.
Accordingly, doubts were raised concerning Sunbird's encryption assertions as research revealed that media files were externally kept despite their assertions that their servers did not hold any data and that messages might not be completely secured.
These worries have prompted this service halt, highlighting the necessity for additional research into the security and functionality of the software.
When the app was removed from the Play Store, Nothing said that many bugs had to be fixed in the app.
It was in this article that Texts.blog highlighted issues with the encryption of Sunbird's communications. This concern was highlighted by Android developer Dylan Rousell, who discovered that Sunbird was storing large numbers of media files in the Firebase cloud service.
This finding contradicts Sunbird's claim that no data was stored on its servers; that means the data is exported even if it is not saved to a file.
Another source shared privacy worries arose regarding Sunbird as 9To5Google discovered its loss of stop-to-quit encryption, enabling easy access to different users' picture files.
Reportedly, over 630,000 documents have been available, opposite Sunbird's claim of no longer storing data on its servers via Firebase.
Subreddit r/Sunbird shared notifications, halting Sunbird utilization amid ongoing safety investigations.
Meanwhile, the app associated with Nothing confronted quick elimination from the app store following privacy alerts. Nothing announced the withdrawal of the Nothing Chats beta, aiming to deal with more than one insect in collaboration with Sunbird earlier than relaunching the app.
Also Read: iPhone 14 Users Granted Extended Emergency SOS Satellite Texting Feature for Additional Year
The Nothing Chats software allows users to access iMessage on Android through Sunbird asks users to sign up with their Apple ID, and promises content but not message encryption.
Issuing Apple ID credentials to outsiders raised security concerns, especially with removing dormant credentials.
Any regulatory action from Apple could affect Apple's sustainability.
There was Nothing that CEO Carl Pei cast doubt on Apple's possible involvement and said it was unlikely. Nothing Chats, intended to be similar to iMessage features, didn't work, but its advanced features were limited.
Experimental versions revealed missing capabilities such as group message challenges, partial Tapback responses, and message switching.
Nothing Chats pledged updates, including typing indicators, uncompressed media sharing, and plans for reading receipts and reactions.
Initial access to Sunbird primarily targeted Nothing Phone 2 owners.
Uncertainty looms regarding Apple's stance as the feature launch nears, as Pei aims for discussions rather than disruption. The EU's investigation into iMessage's categorization as an Apple "core platform service" further complicates the scenario.
Apple's position on Nothing's plans remains pending.
Related Article: Nothing Phone to Bring iMessage to Android: Revolutionary Integration on the Horizon
most read
related stories
more stories from News
Discover the latest insights into Apple's highly anticipated iPhone 16 Pro, from its innovative display and camera advancements to powerful performance and software integration. Stay informed as anticipation builds for the official unveiling.
ernest hamiltonDiscover how a groundbreaking breakthrough in phononics is poised to revolutionize wireless technology, making devices smaller and more efficient. Explore the potential of giant phononic nonlinearities and their implications for consumer electronics. Dive into the future of connectivity today!
ernest hamiltonExplore the potential impact of Apple's collaboration with OpenAI on iOS 18. From enhanced messaging to smarter voice assistants, dive into the future of AI-powered experiences. Stay informed—read on
ernest hamiltonDiscover innovative post ideas and expert tips to engage your audience and drive sales. Read now and make this Mother's Day unforgettable!
ernest hamiltonUnveiling OnePlus' controversial move! Are they really sneaking unwanted apps onto their latest flagship phones? Read now for all the details about this bloatware!"
ernest hamiltonDiscover the ultimate arsenal of digital tools for modern moms! Explore this curated list of 10 essential smartphone apps designed to simplify parenting tasks, organizing schedules, tracking developmental milestones and discovering family-friendly activities.
ernest hamiltonDiscover the latest Google Pixel update! Get the scoop on security, stability, and build numbers. Don't miss out, read now to know how you can elevate your Pixel experience.
ernest hamiltonKnow the latest on TikTok's battle against misogyny and harassment as Tobias Henning leaves the company. Read the story now.
ernest hamilton