iMessage is a messaging platform owned by Apple, it is implemented natively only in iOS and OS X, but thanks to a software called FootMessage, including Android platform users can enjoy the functionality offered by the Apple platform.
In the video clip below you can see how it works FootMessage for Android platform users and note that a Mac is required to facilitate access to Apple's servers, as it is an intermediate server that interconnects the Android smartphone with iMessage.
FootMessage it is a similar solution to others offered in the past by various developers, but unlike those, the latter offers direct control to users, who can use their own Mac to make the connection between the Android terminal and iMessage.
Apart from the application for OS X, another one for Android is needed to interconnect the Mac with the Android terminal, they are the basis of the entire project, and of course an Apple ID must be registered in advance with Apple for everything to work.
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...
If you are interested in FootMessage, then in this page you will find everything necessary to enjoy the functionality offered by it.
