Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has launched Bitchat, a Bluetooth mesh-based offline messaging app designed for areas without internet or cellular connection. The announcement generated a lively discussion on r/festivals, where users expressed mixed feelings about its practical value for festival settings.
While some praise the promise of secure, encrypted, offline communication — ideal for crowded, signal-deprived events — others quickly pointed out how this tech isn’t exactly brand new. Fans referenced earlier apps like Berkanan, Fire Chat (now discontinued), and the ongoing use of Meshtastic at festivals for similar purposes.
Many on the thread cracked up at the app’s name, calling it typical “tech bro” humor, with jabs comparing it to infamous unreliable platforms like Yik Yak. The consensus? Bitchat’s innovation and security are unproven, especially given its warning about lacking independent security audits.
Despite the hesitations, the conversation signals real interest in better offline festival communication tools. Whether Bitchat will break through or just join the list of previous attempts remains to be seen — but Dorsey’s name shining behind it at least gets heads turning.
Source: r/festivals