Has anyone here tried the Berty Messenger app? It’s a cross-platform encrypted messenger with the ability to communicate over Bluetooth. I’m really impressed with how capable it is already, but wouldn’t rely on it for anything too sensitive in it’s early state. To me, it looks like a great way to send offline messages in the event of a service disruption.
Basically, it works like Briar, but it’s available on iOS and Android so it has the potential for greater adoption. Until now, I’ve relied on Bridgeify for offline communications with iOS devices, but I’m glad to have an Open Source alternative
I still think Briar is a better option for Android based systems, but it’s nice to have another tool, and especially a cross-platform one.
they call themselves web3 and are/will be governed through a DAO:
Beyond all classic features of instant messaging (Audio, Video, Stickers…), Berty will:
- relinquish control over Berty and to make it become a truly global community project
- decentralize his governance through a DAO
Also they’re doing p2p messaging as far as I can tell, which is a major drain on battery unfortunately. Also they say they’re using IPFS?? I don’t get how IPFS is useful for a messaging app…
Yeah, I’m not huge on the web3 stuff and P2P has some drawbacks in terms of function, but having the ability to message cross-platform over Bluetooth is amazing.
That being said, I’m not planning to switch over from Signal anytime soon for my primary communications.
but having the ability to message cross-platform over Bluetooth is amazing.
in what way? It’s cool that it’s possible, but it’s not really useful in most settings?
Just a few reasons off the top of my head:
Service disruptions, protest communications, censorship resistance, and emergency service communication in areas without cell service (ocean, wilderness, etc).
but bluetooth reaches only like 10 meters far.
Range is an issue, but Bluetooth can reach up-to 100 meters. It depends on a lot of factors.
If you have a lot of people with it installed, I believe it also has the ability to bounce from one device to another (like Briar).
I’m really interested in the Meshtastic project. You do have to buy a physical radio, but it allows you to send encrypted messages over longer distances (and through a mesh network to extend range if there are a lot of devices nearby). I can see it having more utility, despite the upfront costs, than using your phone’s bluetooth.
I discussed this with others in this post a year ago
Huh, messaging via Bluetooth is a neat trick I didn’t know I needed. Makes a ton of sense, I could have used this quite a bit during some sporting events where device density in the stands absolutely ruined any chance of cellular or wifi data but I needed to talk with team mates.
I might give it a whirl and see if it has just a dedicated Bluetooth mode. I’d never use it as my main messaging service ofc, but it looks like a fun alternative on the surface.
Sounds like Matrix with extra steps.
Do these different apps use a common protocol so that they’re interoperable, or are they all building competing standards?
Interesting
I’m really interested in offline communication, and I’m interesting just what we can build using offline communications. Another project I really like is Meshtastic Meshtastic
