Beside for macOS is no longer being actively developed. If you use it for calls, texts, or meeting notes, here's what to know.
Beside for macOS is no longer maintained
The app still exists and you can keep using it, but our team is no longer fixing bugs or shipping updates for it - existing issues won't be resolved, and none will be fixed going forward. We recommend switching to Beside on the web at app.beside.com for calls and texts - no download required, works in any browser, and is actively maintained.
⚠️ Meeting intelligence no longer works, including in the Mac app:
Automatic meeting detection from your calendar
Meeting Prep (participant insights, prior context)
One-click join for Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams
AI notes and summaries automatically recorded from in-person meetings on Mac
Beside retired the backend service that powered these. They no longer work anywhere, including inside the Mac app itself.
📖 Closest alternative: use the In-Person Recorder on the Beside mobile app to manually record a meeting or conversation and get an instant transcript and AI summary. It's not automatic like the Mac app was, but it covers the same need.
What still works for you
Everything tied to your phone line stays exactly where it's always been, and is now easiest to manage from Beside on the web:
Calls and texts (US & Canada)
Receptionist configuration
Contacts, phone numbers, and line settings
Members and billing
Ask Beside AI
📖 Learn more: Beside on the web
FAQ
What happens if I still have the Beside Mac app installed?
What happens if I still have the Beside Mac app installed?
Calls, texts, your account, and your phone line still work as before. Calendar viewing and Meeting Prep no longer work in the app - Beside retired the backend service behind them. We recommend switching to Beside on the web either way, since the Mac app no longer receives updates or bug fixes. Everything is available the moment you sign in at app.beside.com.
Will I lose my past meeting recordings or notes from the Mac app?
Will I lose my past meeting recordings or notes from the Mac app?
No. Past recordings, transcripts, and summaries already saved to your account remain accessible. Beside for macOS is no longer being updated to generate new ones automatically.
Is there a replacement for meeting intelligence on another platform?
Is there a replacement for meeting intelligence on another platform?
Not an automatic one. Calendar-based meeting detection and Meeting Prep have been retired entirely - they no longer work anywhere, including in Beside for macOS. For recording a meeting, the closest option is the 📖 In-Person Recorder on the Beside mobile app - you start it manually, but you still get a transcript and AI summary afterward.