FireChat: Instant messaging without an internet connection

Among instant messaging apps , there's one that's starting to gain significant attention from many smartphone users worldwide. And especially among those looking for alternatives to the most popular messaging clients. It's FireChat .

You may have heard or read its name in the news. Indeed, FireChat gained popularity during the 2014 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests , allowing protesters to send public messages without an internet connection. Since the Chinese government had blocked the internet to prevent protests and mobilizations from being organized through social media, FireChat became the only alternative for protesters.

What distinguishes FireChat from other instant messaging clients such as Telegram, Line or the almighty WhatsApp is precisely that: it allows you to send messages without the need for an Internet connection or even without coverage.

Don't believe it? It may sound unbelievable, but it's absolutely real (although it has its limitations). Below, we'll explain what it is and how it works.

• How does FireChat work?

This app works as a mesh network using Bluetooth and WiFi P2P , allowing offline text and image messaging between devices located within approximately 70 meters of each other . Thus, FireChat users form a network that grows in size with the number of devices.

That is, the more people use the app, the better and faster the network becomes (unlike mobile networks). Messages hop from one device to the next to reach the recipient(s).

This way, even if there's no coverage or data signal, if 1,000 people gather on the street, they can communicate with each other... that is, if they all have FireChat installed on their smartphone.

• In what situations can FireChat be useful?

The 70-meter distance limitation between devices prevents FireChat from being a real alternative to WhatsApp, Telegram, Line, and others (although FireChat executives have assured that this limitation no longer exists, and that only 5% of the population in an urban area need to have the app installed for it to work). However, FireChat can be very useful in certain situations or places where other instant messaging clients cannot be used or don't work, either because there is no internet connection or coverage, or because the network is congested. For example: the subway, an airplane, a cruise ship, music festivals, concerts, and other events with large crowds , or even during natural disasters or accidents, when it comes to locating victims.

• No registration required for use

One of FireChat 's unique features is that it doesn't require registration . This allows users to choose any username and use the app anonymously .

• FireChat in the world

This app is growing in number of users every day and currently has more than six million users worldwide. The United States leads the way, followed by Hong Kong, India, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, and... wait for it: Spain. Did you know that?

Have you heard of FireChat? What do you think?