The app that lets you chat WITHOUT an internet or phone connection: FireChat uses hidden iOS feature to relay messages:
THIS APP COULD LET US CONTACT EACH OTHER WHEN OBAMA USES THE INTERNET "KILL SWITCH"
- The iOS 7 feature is called Multipeer Connectivity Framework (MCF)
- It creates what's called a wireless mesh, or peer-to-peer, network
- Instead of sending messages using a mobile signal, the free app creates its own network where each mobile on it becomes a 'node'
- This means people in close proximity can message other nodes
- Messages are also sent over long distance by relaying data from one node to another anonymously
Buried within the settings of Apple’s iOS 7 is a feature that could revolutionise how we communicate.
Called the Multipeer Connectivity Framework (MCF), it lets you send messages and photos even when a person has no signal.
Now a group of developers has created a free iPhone app called FireChat that takes advantage of this feature - and it even works over long distances.
The FireChat app was developed by the crowdsourced firm Open Garden. When a user opens the app, they can pick a screen name to start sending messages.
Within the app there are 'chatrooms' with 'Everyone' and 'Nearby' options.
The former will search for all users, while the latter option applies to people within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range who are also using the app.
This is particularly useful when on a plane, or the underground. It can also be used to save money on data plans, for example.
Apple added MCF to its iOS 7 software last year.
It creates what is called a wireless mesh network that connects phones to each other.
It does this by creating a localised network in which each phone becomes a node, and the data is passed between nodes.
Apple uses the framework for its AirDrop feature, for example, which makes it easy to send files and data to other connected iPhone users.
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The FireChat app, pictured was developed
by Open Garden. In the app there are 'chatrooms' including Everyone and
Nearby. The former searches for all users, while the latter applies to
people within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. It takes advantage of the same
iOS 7 tool Apple uses for its AirDrop feature, pictured right
WHAT IS MULTIPEER CONNECTIVITY?
Apple added Multipeer Connectivity Framework (MCF) to its iOS 7 software
last year.
It creates what’s called a wireless mesh network that connects phones to each other.
Instead of sending messages using mobile or data signal, the features lets users send messages to people in close proximity that are in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct range - up to around 30 feet (9 metres).
It does this by creating a localised network in which each phone becomes a node and the data is passed between nodes.
Apple uses the framework for its AirDrop feature, for example, which makes it easy to send files and data to other connected iPhone users.
It creates what’s called a wireless mesh network that connects phones to each other.
Instead of sending messages using mobile or data signal, the features lets users send messages to people in close proximity that are in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct range - up to around 30 feet (9 metres).
It does this by creating a localised network in which each phone becomes a node and the data is passed between nodes.
Apple uses the framework for its AirDrop feature, for example, which makes it easy to send files and data to other connected iPhone users.
Users can also send messages anonymously to avoid snooping, for example, because data is sent from app usernames, as opposed to mobile numbers.
Elsewhere, because the feature doesn’t use an internet connection, it can’t be infiltrated by hackers.
The 'Everyone' Setting allows people to send information further however.
It does this by bringing all its nodes onto one network and relaying messages from one node to another until it reaches the final recipient.
It is not known whether there is a maximum distance the app will work within, and in theory it will work wherever there are nodes, but MailOnline has contacted the company to find out more.
The distance a message can be sent is probably dependent on whether a given region has the nodes needed to relay the messages.
Nodes are simply a vehicle for passing data along a network. On a traditional internet network any device that’s connected to the network is also called a node.
For example, if a network has a phone, tablet, two computers and a printer connected to it there are five nodes on the network.
Each of these devices have a network address which is used to uniquely identify each one. This helps keep track of where data is being transferred to and from on the network.
There
is an Android version of the mesh networking feature, developed by Open
Garden, but it is not a chat app and is instead used for file sharing.
Description( Click here for the link: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id719829352?mt=8 )
FireChat introduces a new way to chat: "off-the-grid".Now you can chat with people around you - even if there is no Internet connection or mobile phone coverage. It just works and it’s free.
Could social networks be like parties?
As a step in this direction, the new FireChat introduces a new type of communication: "firechats". These are live, fast-paced, and anonymous group discussions. You can join firechats or move easily from one to another, just as you might when attending a party.
And you can also create your own firechats, about the topics, people or communities that interest you - whether it's the NY Yankees, UC San Diego, Game of Thrones, League of Legends or Italian food.
Last but not least, firechats work even if no connection to the Internet or cellular phone coverage is available.
