Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat: New Bluetooth Messaging App Hits App Store
▼ Summary
– Bitchat, a messaging app developed by Jack Dorsey, is now available on the iOS App Store and was initially coded over a weekend in July.
– The app uses Bluetooth mesh networks, allowing messages to be sent within a 100-meter range without Wi-Fi or cell service.
– Bitchat features a minimal UX with no log-in system, enabling instant messaging and customizable display names for nearby users.
– While Bluetooth messaging apps like Bitchat are not new, security concerns have been raised about impersonation and lack of external security reviews.
– Fake versions of Bitchat are available on the Google Play Store, though Dorsey has warned users to avoid them as the official app isn’t listed there yet.
Jack Dorsey’s latest venture, Bitchat, has arrived on the App Store, offering a unique Bluetooth-powered messaging experience that works without internet or cellular connectivity. The Twitter and Block co-founder reportedly built the core functionality of this minimalist app over a single weekend in July.
Bitchat leverages Bluetooth mesh networks to enable communication between devices within approximately 100 meters, making it useful in areas with poor reception or during emergencies when traditional networks fail. The interface strips away unnecessary features, users jump straight into a chat window where they can see nearby conversations and customize their display name on the fly.
Though Bluetooth-based messaging isn’t groundbreaking, similar apps like Bridgefy gained traction during protests and festivals, Dorsey’s involvement has drawn significant attention. He initially promoted Bitchat as a secure and private platform, but security experts quickly raised concerns. Researcher Alex Radocea highlighted vulnerabilities, noting the app’s susceptibility to impersonation due to its lack of robust authentication. Dorsey later acknowledged that Bitchat hadn’t undergone an independent security audit, leaving potential flaws unaddressed.
Another issue plaguing the app is the proliferation of copycats. While the official version is available on iOS and via GitHub for Android, fraudulent clones have flooded the Google Play Store, misleading thousands of users. Dorsey hasn’t directly commented on the impersonators but reshared a warning urging caution with unofficial downloads.
As Bitchat gains users, questions remain about its long-term viability and security. While the concept of offline messaging holds promise, its execution, and the risks tied to unverified apps, could determine whether it becomes a niche tool or fades into obscurity.
(Source: TechCrunch)
