Jack Dorsey, Block CEO and Twitter co-founder, wrote in a Sunday night X post that he created an app called Bitchat over the weekend (probably a combination of the words “bit” and “chat” rather than other words).
Bitchat is a messaging app that operates over a Bluetooth mesh network, allowing users to send messages without Wi-Fi or receiving cells. Due to the technical limitations of Bluetooth, this type of app generally only works in the range of around 100 meters, which can be useful in situations like finding friends at a busy, uneven music festival. However, Dorsey claims that his app has expanded range, extending up to 300 meters, or 984 feet, relaying messages through peers.
Bridgefy, one of the most popular Bluetooth messaging apps, was especially used during democratic protests in Hong Kong, as its ability to function without the internet made it difficult for Chinese authorities to detect. Both Bridgefy and Bitchat say they are end-to-end encrypted.
Coincidentally, Bridgefy is partially funded by Biz Stone, another Twitter co-founder. However, Dorsey’s new foray into development makes sense. Given his long-term interest in decentralising technology, he was the first to establish the project to become Bluesky while being a massive supporter of Bitcoin and CEO of Twitter. Dorsey is not affiliated with Bluesky as it is currently working.
Dorsey opened Bitchat on the beta tester via Apple’s TestFlight, but after reaching up to 10,000 users, the tests were filled up. He said on X that it was still under review before the app was released.
