Jack Dorsey’s Bluetooth messaging app is now on the App Store

BichatThe messaging app created by Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter and Block, can be downloaded from. iOS App Store. Dorsey says he coded the basics of the app over the weekend in early July.

Bitchat works over a Bluetooth mesh network. This means that users can send messages to others within the range of Bluetooth connections (usually about 100 meters) without cell reception or Wi-Fi connection.

The app’s UX is minimal. There is no login system. You will be taken to an instant messaging box soon. You can see what a nearby user is saying (if someone is actually around you and using the app) and set a display name that you can change at any time.

Bitchat is intriguing because of Dorsey’s reputation, but the concept of a Bluetooth-powered messaging app is nothing new. These apps are also popular in settings such as large music festivals where cell services may be restricted, and the aftermath of natural disasters that may affect cell services and Wi-Fi availability. Bluetooth messaging app Bridgeify It was especially used during democracy protest This is because Hong Kong’s ability to function without the internet made it difficult for authorities to detect.

Dorsey promoted Bitchat as a secure private messaging platform when it was released for use in the beta version earlier this month. However, security researcher Alex Radsea It was pointed out in a blog post It’s easy to impersonate someone else in Bitchat and call “How safe and secure.”Vibe coding“The app really does.

“In encryption, details are important,” writes Radseah. “A protocol with a proper atmosphere has a fundamental material flaw that compromises everything it claims to protect.”

Dorsey later admitted that the software had it Not subject to external security reviews Therefore, it may contain vulnerabilities.

Bitchat’s concerns about impersonation also extend to the app itself. Currently, the app can be downloaded for iOS via the App Store or loaded onto Android devices. Download the app from Github. However, the Google Play Store hosts multiple apps that appear to be pretending to be Dorsey’s app, which has won thousands of downloads.

Dorsey doesn’t deal directly with the fake bitchat app on the Google Play Store, but he reposted X posts by another user It says that Vichat is not yet on Google Play and that “be careful of fakes.”