iMessage could come to Linux and Windows, but is it worth it?

Years ago, when Facebook bought WhatsApp, there was talk that Google had missed a great opportunity. That was an event that made it clear to us that this type of application is important to attract users, something that Apple does with its iMessage. The app that in iOS and macOS is simply called "Messages" is a great application, with many positive points, but one negative: it is only available in the apple ecosystem.

This is going to change in the near future. Amnesia Labs has developed a client and a server that will allow us to use iMessage on Windows and Linux. In addition, they also ensure that they have plans to launch versions for mobile devices, which at first would mean that it would be available for Android and, probably, other smartphone operating systems. But not everything is as interesting as it seems.

iMessage on Linux, but not standalone

The problem is that Zen, which is how they have called the client, it has to work depending on a Mac, although the company assures that it can work on any Apple computer that still works:

The server, Zen Bridge, works perfectly on old and outdated Apple and Mac Minis laptops that are gathering dust. For a more 'cloud-based' approach, we've also had success with visualized Macs running on genuine Apple servers (which wouldn't break Apple's TOS, your iCloud will happily log into it). Some VPS providers offer this for as little as $ 12 a month.

La first public version will be available this month. Another problem with using Zen is that you will have to pay a subscription that will be between $ 3 and $ 5, but you can buy the full service for an outlay of $ 10 to $ 15. Given all this, we have to ask ourselves: is it worth it?

Is Zen Worth Using?

Well, as in many cases, the answer is "it depends." As a user of devices of all kinds, including several from Apple, I would say no, or not in countries like Spain. In the United States, iMessage is widely used, it is said that practically half of its inhabitants have at least one Apple product, but it is not the same throughout the world. In other countries we rely more on applications such as WhatsApp, for our contacts, or Telegram, for one more use of chats.

Although the latter is the editor's opinion. It is likely (I do not think that much) that some of you will be especially happy to hear this news. Is it your case?