Now it is starting to feel real. Jack, the CEO of bitchat, said the app has rolled out major upgrades that make peer-to-peer messaging more useful, more stable, and more secure, even without the internet. These changes show how decentralized communication is moving from theory into everyday use.
bitchat now supports photos and audio notes sent over a Bluetooth mesh. It also uses a smarter routing system that keeps messages moving across longer distances. Under the hood, the app relies on Tor’s Arti framework, a modern tool designed to improve speed and reliability. Just as important, a third-party security firm has audited the system, and the team addressed every issue found.
Why Bluetooth Mesh Matters Now
Bluetooth mesh sounds complex, but the idea is simple. Phones nearby pass messages from one to another, like neighbors sharing notes down a street. No central server is needed. This makes communication harder to block and useful in places with weak or no internet.
A real-world example came during recent natural disasters, when power outages knocked out mobile networks. In several regions, people relied on short-range wireless tools to share updates locally. Apps like bitchat build on that idea, but add encryption and routing logic so messages can travel farther and stay private.
bitchat now has:
– photos/audio notes in bluetooth mesh
– better routing algorithm for stabler and longer range meshes
– uses @torproject‘s arti framework for speed and reliability
– audited by 3rd party security group and addressed all findings
https://twitter.com/jack/status/2011602189807202401— jack (@jack) January 15, 2026
This also fits a clear trend. According to industry data from 2024, interest in privacy-focused messaging apps grew by more than 20% year over year, driven by concerns over surveillance and data misuse. Investors are watching closely as users look for tools that put control back in their hands.
Security, Speed, and Trust
One standout update is the use of Tor’s Arti framework. Tor is best known for protecting online privacy. Arti is its newer engine, built to be faster and easier to integrate. In simple terms, it helps messages take safer paths without slowing everything down.
For the past three years, we’ve been working on tools to monitor the health of the Tor network. 🩺 This work aims to strengthen the Tor network’s resilience and resistance to relay attacks. These tools recently underwent a third-party audit, and here are the results!…
— The Tor Project (@torproject) January 7, 2026
Security audits matter here. Many blockchain and crypto projects skip them or treat them lightly. By hiring an independent security group and fixing all findings, bitchat signals maturity. For investors, this reduces risk. For users, it builds confidence that private messages stay private. Adding photos and audio also changes how the app can be used. Text alone limits adoption. Rich media makes the platform feel familiar, which lowers the barrier for new users.