What is FireChat?
FireChat is a peer-to-peer messaging app developed by Open Garden that enables users to communicate without an internet connection or cellular service. It utilizes mesh networking capabilities and links nearby phones via WiFi, Bluetooth, or peer-to-peer WiFi to create an offline network for sending messages and sharing content.
Some key features of FireChat include:
- Works without an internet connection or cellular service using peer-to-peer connectivity
- Creates mesh networks between nearby devices for offline messaging
- Uses Bluetooth and peer-to-peer WiFi as well as infrastructure WiFi
- End-to-end encryption for secure communications
- Public chatrooms based on location
- Supports text, photo, voice and video messages
- Available for both iOS and Android devices
FireChat is ideal for communicating at events, on campuses, or in areas with poor or no internet/cellular access. The app leverages the power of connections between nearby phones to enable offline networks for communication. As more users join FireChat, the capacity and coverage area of these peer-to-peer mesh networks continues to grow.