Open Garden, a San Francisco-based company that promotes Net Neutrality released FireChat app for iPhone last week, that lets users chat with nearby users without WiFi, data connection or even cellular network. The app is now available for Android. This uses Open Garden’s mesh networking technology to enable peer-to-peer connections with other nearby Android devices.
You can chat with other FireChat users in a 30 feet range. Once you are connected to the Internet, you can chat with everyone using the app. This would let you chat with nearby users during a natural disaster, mainly when cellular networks are down.
The iOS app that was launched last week has been upgraded to version 1.4 that brings iPad support. The iOS app topped the iTunes charts in several countries including Brazil, Spain, Taiwan, and Chile. It also reached top 10 amongst social networking apps in 80 countries around the world, said the company.
Features of FireChat for Android
- Instantly message anyone around you on Android devices,
- Works even without any Internet connection or any type of mobile coverage
- Chat with one person or with a group of people at once,
- See what people are talking about everywhere in the “Everyone” mode, or create conversations that only people near you can join in the “Nearby” mode,
- “Nearby chat” works best within 30 feet of your location,
- Easy: no Facebook or email login, no password to remember,
- Use it at home or when traveling anywhere in the world.
Download FireChat (Free) – Android | iPhone and iPad