FireChat


  1. The app that lets you chat WITHOUT an internet or phone connection: FireChat uses hidden iOS feature to relay messages
  2. The iOS 7 feature is called Multipeer Connectivity Framework (MCF)
  3. It creates what's called a wireless mesh, or peer-to-peer, network
  4. Instead of sending messages using a mobile signal, the free app creates its own network where each mobile on it becomes a 'node'
  5. This means people in close proximity can message other nodes
  6. Messages are also sent over long distance by relaying data from one node to another anonymously

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.

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