Matt Mullenweg on Automatic's Acquisition of Texts.com and the Importance of Open Source

Automatic, the holding company behind WordPress, has acquired text T-E-X-T-S.com, a desktop app that consolidates different messaging apps into one interface. This move allows Automatic to expand into the messaging space and provide a user-centric, open-source solution that supports all networks and maintains 100% encryption. The acquisition was driven by personal frustration with multiple messaging apps and the belief that messaging is an important area for human rights and freedom. By competing against big players like Apple, Google, and Meta, Automatic can leverage its speed, focus, and the ability to use their weights and business models against them. Open source is a core principle for Automatic, as it empowers users, gives them agency and autonomy in their digital choices, and makes the web more open and free. By creating the best software with these principles, Automatic can influence the competition and even make proprietary companies more open. In summary, Automatic's acquisition of Texts.com and its dedication to open source are instrumental in expanding its services into the messaging space and providing a user-centric, secure, and open alternative to the bigger players in the industry.