Jack Dorsey just released Its functionality works perfectly on a Bluetooth network. . It’s called Bitchat and there’s no central server, so you don’t need to get the internet to work.
The Twitter co-founders call it an experiment “Bluetooth Mesh network, relay and store and forward models, message encryption models, and more.” It works by enabling encrypted communication between nearby gadgets. Essentially, you send messages directly from one device to another, but each device is also a node that expands the network a little.
Due to the technology being worked on here, Vichat also does not require Wi-Fi or cell phone services. It is designed to continue to function even when the internet is actively blocked. Messages are stored only on the device and disappear by default without connecting to the central infrastructure. This type of technology was used during that time Hong Kong’s 2019 protest Similar apps have been floating for years, but to keep communication lines open.
The app allows for password-protected group chats by name with hashtags. You can also temporarily forward messages to offline users. Future versions of the app will support Wi-Fi direct to increase the speed and size of your network.
Dorsey has long been a proponent of distributed communication platforms, like Bluesky, which emphasizes user control. Bitchat is currently available in beta but now it’s fulfilled.
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