Mesh Brings Personal CRM to Android Devices

Mesh, the relationship manager and personal CRM acquired by Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has expanded to Android devices. The app allows users to privately visualize and keep track of people in their personal and professional networks, add notes to contact information, and receive reminders to reach out.

Customized for Android

On Android, Mesh's app has been customized to work seamlessly with key platform features. Users can access Mesh while working in other apps, such as messages or email, thanks to split-screen and pop-up views. The app also supports keyboard shortcuts for foldables and tablets, in-app search, home screen widgets with Material You colors, and real-time sync across devices.

"We're thinking a lot about how can AI help you be a better friend and have better work and personal relationships?" - Zachary Hamed, Mesh co-founder

AI-Powered Features and Integrations

Mesh's broader plans for the app could see it tied more closely to Automattic's all-in-one messaging app, Beeper. Already, Mesh and Beeper interoperate to some extent, allowing users to draft texts or click deep links to visit a Mesh user's profile. In time, the company wants to add additional AI features that will make users of both products more productive in managing their personal relationships.

Mesh's Nexus AI is currently in early access, offering a way to use AI to navigate your network. Users can ask questions like who they know at a particular company or who lives in a certain city, or who has expertise in a particular topic. The company is also experimenting with using AI technology to provide a voice-based, hands-free experience and an improved business card scanning feature.

Security and Subscription Model

Personal information stored in Mesh isn't shared or used for ad targeting, as the product is supported by subscriptions. The company offers a free plan for up to 1,000 contacts, with higher tiers for unlimited contacts and other features. Mesh co-founder Matthew Achariam notes that the majority of customers, around 70%, are using the app for business purposes, but the company still considers the consumer use case.

Mesh's features, such as the ability to add notes to contact information or receive reminders to reach out, can be applied to both business and consumer use cases. The company is exploring a bundled subscription with Beeper or other Automattic products, but has nothing to announce on that front at this time.

Availability and Pricing

Mesh for Android is available as a free download on Google Play for phones, tablets, and foldables, with in-app purchases. The company plans to roll out the app to more devices and platforms in the future.