Latest news with #JackDorsey
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
The messaging app that doesn't need WiFi signal
Bitchat, a Bluetooth -powered messaging app developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has launched on Apple's App Store. The app allows users to communicate without WiFi or mobile phone service, extending its typical 100-metre Bluetooth range through a mesh network that relays messages via other users. Designed for privacy, security, and decentralisation, Bitchat does not require users to share email addresses or phone numbers. Its innovative approach makes it useful in situations where conventional networks are overloaded or unavailable, such as at crowded events or in areas with no phone signal. Dorsey highlighted that Bitchat's architecture offers a censorship-resistant platform, making it resilient against state internet restrictions.
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Indian Express
I used Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app with no Wi-Fi or mobile data
A few weeks ago, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey launched Bitchat, an instant messaging app that works without internet. The app, which was developed in just over a weekend, uses Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi or mobile data to send and receive messages. It is now available for download on the iOS App Store, with an Android version posted on GitHub. I tried the Android version of Bitchat, and here's how the app differs from popular instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. But before we dive into the app, here's a glimpse of how Bitchat works. Like Jack Dorsey's Bluesky, Bitchat also happens to be a decentralised platform, meaning there are no central servers where data is stored. The app works using peer-to-peer network technology, which means it directly sends messages from one device to another, with every device on the network acting as a node in itself. Also, messages sent over Bitchat are stored in the app itself and disappear after a while. When people physically move from one place to another, they constantly join and leave what are called 'Bluetooth clusters'. The range of the app also depends on the number of users connected, meaning it will have a wider range if there are a lot of people using it. Since Bluetooth has a pretty short range, the app only works at a range of around 100 meters. But as the number of people in Bluetooth clusters increases, Bitchat can theoretically relay messages up to 300 meters. To overcome Bluetooth's limitations of short range and slow speed, Dorsey says he plans to add support for Wi-Fi Direct in a future update. Note: There are several fake versions of Bithat packed with ads and malware available on the Google Play Store, and none of them are real. At the time of writing, the app's Android version can only be downloaded from GitHub. Like Bridgefy, the app used by protestors worldwide, Bitchat allows users to send instant messages to one another even if there is no internet or network. This is really useful in areas where internet connectivity is restricted or the network is patchy. For example, you can quickly text your friends or family when travelling in a train or aeroplane if your seats are not nearby. Another use case is that Bitchat can also come in handy in crowded areas, where internet is slow. Bitchat's user interface is pretty bare bones and reminded me of the Internet Relay Chat, or IRC for short, a text-based app that popularised instant messaging back in the 1990s when the internet was still in its infancy. The app has a single window and is pretty straightforward to use. The Android version currently has no options, but you can tap on the top right icon to see how many people are connected. Text messages sent using Bitchat are pretty fast, and I barely noticed any lag or delay when talking to the other person. The main window is the place for public chats, meaning everyone using the app in an area will be able to see your messages. There is also a private chat mode, which can be accessed by tapping on the same top right icon, after which you will have to click on the person's name to start the conversation. Another great thing about Bitchat is that it comes with a 'panic mode', which instantly deletes all messages in the conversation. This can be triggered by triple-tapping the Bitchat icon on the top. As of now, you can only send text messages, which are end-to-end encrypted like WhatsApp, which means no one other than the sender and the receiver can read them. Despite being in early stages, Bitchat does work as advertised. The range is pretty limited, and I was disconnected when trying to talk to the other person from a distance, but this is expected since it uses Bluetooth. Bitchat won't replace popular instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram; however, I felt like this is a more secure way to talk to someone nearby, as the app automatically clears chats after a while. Also, you won't have to worry about your mobile data limits or Wi-Fi range. All in all, this is a really good way to communicate with one another over short distances, but I hope Dorsey soon adds Wi-Fi support to extend the range over which I can chat with someone. Anurag Chawake is a Senior Sub-Editor at His fascination with technology and computers goes back to the days of Windows 98. Since then, he has been tinkering with various operating systems, mobile phones, and other things. Anurag usually writes on a wide range of topics including Android, gaming, and PC hardware among other things related to consumer tech. His Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn user name is antechx. ... Read More
News18
14 hours ago
- News18
Bitchat vs WhatsApp — New App ‘Without Internet' Sparks Discussion: ‘How About Phone-Free Sitchat'
Last Updated: Bitchat follows a Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking system, creating a local web of connected devices. A message sent through Bitchat is split into tiny chunks of data packets. Imagine life without WhatsApp. Impossible right? From the moment we wake up until we turn off the lights, it's our constant companion. WhatsApp helps us to stay connected with family, friends, colleagues or distant acquaintances and over time has become the primary mode of our daily conversations. But, seems like the Meta platform has now got some competition. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has launched a new decentralised messaging app for iPhone users, which, unlike traditional apps, is designed for offline communication. One of the most unique features of Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging application, is that it can be used without cellular data or Wi-Fi. The only element you need to have on your phone is Bluetooth. Users are able to send messages directly between devices nearby through the medium. Bitchat follows a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking system by creating a local web of connected devices. First, Bitchat recognises each other over Bluetooth. Unlike WhatsApp or Telegram, texts are not sent using external servers. A message sent through Bitchat splits into tiny chunks of data packets using LZ4, a lossless data compression algorithm, and broadcasts them over Bluetooth using BLE advertisements. If the recipient is nearby, within 30 metres, their phone picks up these chunks and reassembles them into the original message. However, when the receiver is out of range, the message 'hops" from the sender's phone to another before finally reaching its intended destination. The best part? Messages sent and received through Bitchat are end-to-end encrypted. Additionally, the texts exist only in device memory by default. Each message has a Time-To-Live (TTL) limit, which means it expires after some time, ensuring enhanced privacy. Take a look: Internet Reaction Social media users were quick to react to the post. 'This would be amazing for finding your friend at a massive music festival or anywhere where a huge number of people puts a strain on the cell towers, virtually making them useless," noted one person. 'I built 'Sitchat' too. Here, no phone is required. Just 2 people sitting side by side and chatting," read a playful remark. 'Why does it sound similar to Pied Piper from Silicon Valley?" wondered an individual, hinting at Steve Jobs, who was commonly referred to by the name thanks to his visionary leadership in the world of tech. 'Game is gonna change again," commented another user. The post has so far received over 9 million views. What are your thoughts on Bitchat? About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey's Bluetooth messaging app now available on App Store
Jack Dorsey , co-founder and former CEO of Twitter (now X), has officially launched his highly anticipated Bluetooth-based messaging application, BitChat. The WhatsApp rival is now available on Apple App Store for download. Designed for offline communication, Bitchat uses Bluetooth mesh networks to let users chat with others nearby—no cellular or Wi-Fi connection required. Dorsey reportedly coded the app's foundation over a weekend in early July. The app features a minimalist interface with no login system; users simply open the app, set a display name, and begin messaging anyone within Bluetooth range—typically up to 100 meters. How Bitchat works Bitchat facilitates encrypted communication between nearby devices. As users move, their phones automatically form local Bluetooth clusters, passing messages from one device to another. This allows messages to reach peers beyond standard Bluetooth range, without Wi-Fi or cellular service. 'Bridge' devices play a role by connecting overlapping clusters, extending the mesh network across greater distances. Messages are stored only on individual devices, disappear by default and never touch any centralised infrastructure. The app's launch builds upon Dorsey's previous support for decentralised platforms like Damus and Bluesky. Similar to the Bluetooth-based apps used during Hong Kong's 2019 protests, Bitchat is engineered to remain functional even when internet access is blocked, as per CNBC. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Bitchat also supports optional group chats, or "rooms," which can be named with hashtags and secured with passwords, the report added. It includes a "store and forward" feature, ensuring messages are delivered to users who are temporarily offline. The report further noted that a future update is expected to add Wi-Fi Direct to further increase speed and range, pushing Dorsey's vision for off-grid, user-owned communication even further. Unlike mainstream messaging platforms such as Meta's WhatsApp and Messenger, which rely on personal data, Bitchat operates entirely peer-to-peer, with no accounts, no personal identifiers, and no data collection. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
Jack Dorsey's offline messaging app Bitchat now available on App Store: More details inside
Bitchat, Jack Dorsey's new project, is now officially live for Apple users. It is available on the App Store and brings a refreshing change to messaging apps. You do not need mobile data, a Wi-Fi connection, or even a registered account to use it. The app runs on a Bluetooth-based mesh network system. If your phone has Bluetooth on, it will automatically connect with others running Bitchat nearby. As people move, their phones relay messages across short distances. So, even without direct contact, your message may still reach its destination. Bitchat does not ask for your name, email, or number. You open it and start chatting. All messages are encrypted, stored locally, and deleted after a short period. There are no backups or cloud storage involved. Your data stays on your device and nowhere else. This makes the app suitable for temporary or emergency communication, such as during power cuts, natural disasters, or public events. There is no tracking, and nobody can access your messages once they vanish. Dorsey developed this app as part of a new open-source group. It supports a wide range of Apple devices, from iPhone to Vision Pro. The interface is clean and simple. It is ideal for people who value privacy and want a tool that does not depend on big tech servers. However, a disclaimer is included. The team behind Bitchat warns users that the app has not been tested by external security professionals. Until such a review is done, the app should not be used for confidential or sensitive messaging. Still, the idea behind Bitchat is promising. As more users explore ways to stay off the grid, apps that offer freedom from logins and network dependency could become more popular. With its App Store launch, Bitchat gives everyone a chance to try this new way of connecting.
