Twitter co-founder’s new venture promises smooth communication without relying on internet connectivity – a potential game changer in regions and situations facing network outages.
Jack Dorsey, the tech visionary behind Twitter and Block, has launched Bitchat. It’s a messaging app that operates entirely over Bluetooth mesh networks and doesn't require an internet connection or any other cellular network. Dorsey describes the app as a "weekend project," emphasizing that Bitchat is a personal experiment, separate from his other ventures.
Although the app is still in beta and can be accessed through Apple’s TestFlight platform, and what stands out about Bitchat is its emphasis on privacy and security.
How Does Bitchat Work?
Bitchat utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy to establish a peer-to-peer network where devices exchange encrypted messages at a proximity of up to 300 meters. Unlike traditional apps, it requires no accounts, phone numbers, or central servers. Dorsey described it in one of his whitepapers as an exploration of…
“ …bluetooth mesh networks, encryption models, and store-and-forward systems”
The app’s most prominent features include:
- Encrypted and Private: All messages are end-to-end encrypted using Curve25519 and AES-GCM algorithms.
- Offline Communication: Operates entirely on Bluetooth mesh networks, eliminating the need for internet or cellular data.
- Peer-to-Peer Network: Devices connect directly with each other, with a communication range of up to 300 meters.
- Ephemeral Messages: Messages automatically delete after 12 hours unless you save them as a favorite.
- Group Chats: Users can create password-protected group ‘rooms’ for private conversations.
- Store-and-Forward: Delivers messages to users who are temporarily offline and then forwards them once they reconnect to the network.
Bitchat may also introduce future updates, such as WiFi Direct, to improve both speed and range.
Could Bitchat Compete with WhatsApp?
It’s still too early to say, but it’s unlikely that Bitchat will replace messaging apps like WhatsApp anytime soon. However, its unique focus on offline messaging could give it a niche audience that values connectivity without relying on the internet.
But if you ask anyone who’s followed Dorsey’s career, you’ll know that Bitchat could be just the beginning. It can become the go-to messaging app for the disconnected or an essential tool for emergencies. Let’s see if Dorsey’s Bitchat disrupts the market the way Twitter did in the future.
