Beejive Brings IM to iPhones

By Geoff Duncan July 9, 2007

Beejive Brings IM to iPhones

A month ago at the company’s World Wide Developer Conference, Apple CEO Steve Jobs touted the forthcoming iPhones, urging developers to build applications for the iPhone as Internet-based Web 2.0 applications that users could connect to (via EDGE or Wi-FI) using the iPhone’s integrated Safari Web browser. The news kind of went over like a lead balloon: sure, many applications and services could, in theory be implemented as Web 2.0 applications, but that doesn’t give the applications access to storage on the iPhone, a coveted spot on the iPhone’s collection of icons, or magically let people use the applications if they should happen to be away from EDGE or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Nonetheless, the seeming runaway success of the iPhone launch means developers can’t afford to let the iPhone pass them by—even if it means implementing their products and services as Web-based applications. First out the gate is BeeJive, which has just launched a public alpha version of its JiveTalk mobile instant messaging client specifically for use via the Safari browser built into the iPhone. The service takes advantage of the fact Apple didn’t include a version of its own iChat instant messaging client with the iPhone. iPhone owners should just point their phone to iphone.beejive.com and get started messaging via AIM, AMSN, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, and Jabber. BeeJive is letting anyone use the alpha release for free, but warns there might be problems and/or bugs.

The company has not announced any future plans for its Web-based version of JiveTalk for iPhone, but the company’s BlackBerry client is priced at $19.95, with no per-message charges. Apple hasn’t made any official statements about native instant messaging clients for the iPhone, although speculation has the company adding the capability to the phone via software updates. However, that may still leave a slot for a service like BeeJive: Apple’s iChat operates via AIM or Jabber, meaning an iPhone version may not be able to talk to users on MSN, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, and other instant messaging platforms.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Mobile

iPhone SE deals: Refurbished 2nd and 3rd Gen iPhones

apple iphone se 2020 news new black camera and touch id 04152020

Apple’s iPhone is one of the most popular phones on the planet, and whatever its current model happens to be almost always ranks among the best phones. This makes the iPhone an expensive purchase, which is where the iPhone SE comes in. Apple launched the iPhone SE in order to make an iPhone affordable to more people. The SE utilizes technology that’s a generation or two old and will often take the form factor of a previous iPhone model. Right now the it's a great phone to turn to for even more savings through Apple deals.

While it’s difficult to find newer iPhone SE models, you can shop refurbished knowing the big retailers are likely backing the purchase with warranties and solid return windows. So whether you’re looking for some great iPhone deals or phone deals in general, below you’ll find the best iPhone SE deals to shop right now. If you decide you need something with a bit more power, check out iPhone 14 deals and iPhone 15 deals.
iPhone SE 2nd Gen deals

Mobile

Best iPhone 14 deals: Unlocked and refurbished

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro's camera module

While the iPhone 15 may be Apple’s most recent iPhone release, that only makes the iPhone 14 a better way to save. The iPhone 14 isn’t far removed from being among the best phones on the market, and it’s still a powerhouse option for most smartphone users. There are a lot of ways to save with Apple deals on the iPhone 14, with shopping refurbished models being one of the best. You'll get a good warranty and a large return window when shopping refurbished iPhone deals at most major retailers, which makes them some of the best iPhone deals you'll find. With so many to take advantage of right now, we thought we’d do the heavy lifting and put all of the best iPhone 14 deals together in one place.
Apple iPhone 14 -- from $479, was $699

With the Apple iPhone 14 you’re getting what is still one of the most popular smartphones on the market. This is the iPhone 14 model that’s meant for everyone. It holds back a few features you can only get on the Pro model, but it still has an impressive 6.1-inch display, an impressive camera, and dozens of ways to personalize your iOS experience with widgets and fonts. The phone can reach up to 26 hours of battery life on a single charge, and it’s powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. Face ID, emergency SOS via satellite, and super fast 5G cellular connectivity round out the top features of the Apple iPhone 14.
Buy Refurbished at Amazon — from $479

Mobile

The iPhone 16 Pro Max could set a new record for the iPhone

iPhone 16 Pro Max dummy unit next to a iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max (left) and iPhone 15 Pro Max ZONEofTech

We have good news if you're hoping for a larger iPhone this fall. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a significantly bigger display than the iPhone 15 Pro Max — at least according to the latest leak.