New Bitchat Messenger by Jack Dorsey Appears in the App Store

• Bitchat allows for exchanging messages without the internet.
• The app supports functionality via Bluetooth mesh at distances up to 300 meters.
• The developers warn about the experimental status of the program.

About this reports Mezha, TechCrunch.

Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, officially released the beta version of the Bitchat messenger in the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. Previously, the program was only available through TestFlight and quickly gathered up to 10,000 participants, reports Engadget.

Bitchat allows users to exchange messages without the need to provide a phone number or email address. The app works via the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh, where messages are transmitted from one device to another without the need for Wi-Fi, mobile connection, or central servers. Each smartphone becomes a node in the network, transmitting encrypted messages to other users, enabling a connection at distances of up to 300 meters using real-time connections.

Dorsey emphasizes that Bitchat is an experiment in the field of Bluetooth mesh and automatic data storage and encryption. While similar solutions have existed for more than a decade, Bitchat is focused on simplicity of use without the need for mobile networks or Wi-Fi, which could be useful during connectivity outages.

Privacy is a key theme of Bitchat. The app has a "panic" function that deletes all data after three taps on the logo. At this moment, the developers warn that some functions (such as private messages) have not passed external security verification, so the app is still considered experimental.

Tags: Technology