Summary
- Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, launched Bitchat, a new peer-to-peer messaging app available on Apple devices, including the Vision Pro.
- Bitchat lets you chat with people nearby using Bluetooth and doesn’t require an internet connection, email, or phone number.
- Messages are private and encrypted, and there’s a Panic Mode to delete all your data with a triple-tap instantly.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you didn’t have internet access, a new messaging app might be of interest. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey just dropped Bitchat, a new peer-to-peer messaging app that works over Bluetooth. And it’s available now on your iPhone, Mac, iPad, and even your Apple Vision Pro.
The idea of B****at—sorry, force of habit—Bitchat is that you can chat with people who are in your physical vicinity over a Bluetooth mesh network. You don’t need to have anyone’s email address, phone number, or a connection to the internet. Messages sent over Bitchat are private and encrypted, plus there’s a “Panic Mode” button that deletes all of your data with a triple-tap.
Related
What Is End-to-End Encryption, and Why Does It Matter?
First, let’s start with the basics of encryption. Encryption is a way of scrambling (encrypting) data so that it can’t be read by everyone. Only the people who can unscramble (decrypt) the information can see its contents. If someone doesn’t have the decryption key, they won’t be able to unscramble the data and view the information.
Bitchat comes from “and Other Stuff,” which is an open-source collective financially backed by Dorsey. He says it’s an experiment in “Bluetooth mesh networks, relays and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things.” Those of us who have been on the internet for a long time may remember similar apps, such as FireChat, which have essentially done the same thing.
There are obvious limitations to only being able to message people who are near you, but there are also clear use cases. It could be useful at large events where internet access can be spotty at best. It could also be incredibly valuable in situations where authorities block mobile data and Wi-Fi. And if you’re interested in more random apps from Jack Dorsey, he’s also got “Sun Day Tracker” to track your vitamin D intake…
Source: Engadget
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Why Is It Called Bluetooth?
Few technologies have become as embedded in our daily lives as Bluetooth. From smartphones and computers to TVs and speakers, this wireless technology has evolved far beyond hands-free headsets. But what’s the deal with that odd name, and does it actually have anything to do with teeth?