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Jack Dorsey’s Block Launches Bitchat: A Revolutionary Peer-to-Peer Chat App
Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter, has introduced a beta version of Bitchat, an innovative peer-to-peer messaging app that operates entirely via Bluetooth technology. Bitchat draws inspiration from the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) systems popular in the 1990s, offering a nostalgic yet modern twist on online communication.
How Bitchat Works
Bitchat employs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, enabling direct connections between nearby devices without any reliance on central servers or traditional login processes. This decentralised approach means each smartphone or device functions both as a sender and a relay, transmitting messages directly from one device to another until they reach their intended recipient. Notably, users are not required to provide a phone number to begin communicating.
Key Features
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End-to-End Encryption: All communications via Bitchat are secured with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages remain private and are only stored temporarily on the user’s device, disappearing by default after being read.
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Group Chats: The app allows for group conversations, referred to as “rooms,” which can be accessed using hashtags and passwords. If a user goes offline, messages can be stored and forwarded to them later, facilitating seamless communication.
- Offline Capability: Bitchat proves exceptionally valuable in scenarios where traditional networks may be unreliable or completely unavailable, such as during protests, festivals, or in densely populated areas where signal strength is compromised. It can even function during deliberate power outages or blackouts.
User Engagement and Future Plans
The app recently reached a cap of 10,000 users during its beta testing phase on Apple’s TestFlight, a platform for testing apps before their official release. The rapid sign-up success reflects strong interest in Bitchat, spurring Dorsey to announce plans for a broader rollout. The app remains open-source, with its documentation and whitepaper accessible on GitHub.
Dorsey highlighted that the Bluetooth mesh network can extend up to approximately 300 metres when devices work together to "hop" messages between them. However, he cautioned that this mesh network’s functionality could be disrupted by Bluetooth jammers, which could hinder communication in specific situations.
In summary, Bitchat represents a significant evolution in peer-to-peer messaging, combining robust security features with the ability to function without traditional internet infrastructure. This makes it an essential tool for users seeking reliable communication channels during critical situations or in remote areas. As Block prepares for a wider launch, interest in Bitchat is expected to grow, potentially reshaping how people connect in the digital age.
