The former CEO and Co-Founder of Twitter (Now X), Jack Dorsey, launches a Bluetooth-based messaging application, Bitchat that runs without internet connectivity. It is a decentralized platform that operates with Bluetooth mesh networks, enabling sending and receiving messages.
Since the platform depends on Bluetooth, range limitations to enable communication can be a challenge. However, Dorsey ensures relay messaging up to 300 meters and 984 feet, unlike the 100-meter range of average Bluetooth devices. End-to-end encryption and channel-based chats are the core attributes of Bitchat.
As per Dorsey’s revelation, the app was accessible for Apple users through TestFlight with a user limit of 10,000, which was reached shortly after. Additionally, he has shared the GitHub page for the project, addressing it as “an ugly whitepaper describing protocol.”
Dorsey posted on X, stating, “my weekend project to learn about bluetooth mesh networks, relays and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things...”
What’s new in Bitchat?
Bitchat is a peer-to-peer network-based messaging platform that allows people to message each other without using the internet. Hence, individuals will now be able to connect without thinking of having a stable internet connection. Nevertheless, the app is developed for short-range messaging where messages are temporary and encrypted.
Alongside an internet connection, no Wi-Fi, servers, or phone numbers are required to get started with encrypted communication on Bitchat. Since the app follows a decentralized nature, the messages sent or received through the platform are stored on users’ devices, which will, by default, disappear from the devices without entering the central server. Such an approach allows the platform to maintain privacy. The following are the major features of the messaging app:
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- Decentralized Mesh Network: Bitchat allows automatic peer discovery alongside multi-hop message relay.
- End-to-End Encryption: The app integrates X25519 key exchanges alongside AES-256-GCM while enabling private messaging.
- Privacy on Priority: The platform requires no phone numbers, accounts, or persistent identifiers, boosting privacy.
- Store and Forward: Sent messages are stored if the receiver is offline and delivered once they reconnect.
- Channel-based Messaging: The platform also allows topic or channel-based group messaging.
- Emergency Wipe: One of the interesting features of Bitchat enables users to erase all data instantly with a triple tap.
Information on the Official Release of Bitchat:
Bitchat was available for 10,000 Apple users on TestFlight, which quickly got exhausted. While highlighting Bitchat hitting its maximum number of testers on TestFlight, Jack Dorsey revealed that the app is currently under review for its official release.
Although the exact release date for the messaging app is still unknown, the platform will certainly bring major transformations in how individuals connect with each other. Interestingly, users are still speculating whether the app will be able to gain mass attention or end up becoming a niche platform for tech professionals.
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