One of Apple's biggest draws in its iOS platform is its user-friendly, innovative and powerful messaging app, the ubiquitous iMessage. Unfortunately for Android users, iMessage is only available for Apple devices. Thus, the service is out of reach for the millions of Android users around the globe.

That is, until now. Eric Chee, an app developer, has released PieMessage, an application that enables Android users to send and receive iMessage messages. Being a project that is still in its alpha phase, Chee has posted the code on GitHub, which is already available for download.

Though PieMessage does indeed break new ground in terms of cross-platform functionality, it does come with strings attached. The most prominent of these is the fact that the app requires an OS X device to act as a server. Thus, for all intents and purposes, PieMessage simply makes the Android device as an extension of an OS X machine.

"Basically, what the Android client does is send the text to a MacBook. And uses the Mac's 'Messages' app to send off the notification. When the Mac detects an incoming message, it will pass it back to the Android. So yes there is both software you need to run on a Mac and Android. I have an old 2007 MacBook that is just always on connected at home that serves as its client," Chee wrote.

Currently, the iteration of PieMessage is able to send and receive single and group messages, and very little else. Sending photos, videos and sound clips are, in theory, possible as well, though Chee has not been able to include those functionalities in the app's current version.

Chee stated that the reason behind him posting the app's code online is for other developers to explore the project further. Doing so, of course, increases the app's versatility and functionality.

As much as the project is gaining widespread support from online communities, however, there is a chance that Apple could eventually release a patch in future OS X versions which would ultimately render PieMessage useless. After all, iMessage is one of Apple's biggest draws for consumers who are looking into investing in the iOS ecosystem.

For now, at least, PieMessage exists, bridging the gap between iOS and Android devices in a way unlike anything else before. 

Tags: apple android iOS imessage piemessage