design Archives

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Twitter co-founder launches Bluetooth-only messaging app

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, has launched Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app that operates over Bluetooth without the need for internet or phone numbers. Currently in beta testing via Apple's TestFlight, Bitchat uses local Bluetooth mesh networks to relay messages, ensuring encrypted conversations that disappear by default. Users can create password-protected group chats and future updates may include Wi-Fi Direct support. The app is designed for use in situations with compromised internet access and does not collect user data or require accounts. A whitepaper on GitHub outlines its technical framework aimed at resisting censorship. While still in early testing, the app's effectiveness at scale is yet to be evaluated, and there are no announcements for an Android version or public launch plans.

Tech Optimizer

July 8, 2025

How TimescaleDB helped us scale analytics and reporting

At Cloudflare, PostgreSQL and ClickHouse are used as primary databases for transactional and analytical workloads. PostgreSQL is preferred for product development due to its speed, versatility, and reliability, with hundreds of instances running in various configurations. ClickHouse, introduced in 2017, allows ingestion of tens of millions of rows per second with millisecond-level query performance but comes with trade-offs. The Digital Experience Monitoring (DEX) product was developed with a focus on simplicity and rapid shipping, utilizing a team of three engineers and collaboration with other teams. DEX's initial launch included fleet status logs uploaded every two minutes and synthetic tests with usage caps, leading to a successful MVP launch ahead of schedule. The architecture included an HTTP API, PostgreSQL for storing configurations, and a React UI in the Cloudflare Dashboard. PostgreSQL was chosen for analytics due to its ability to handle structured logs, with a table created for device state logs lacking a primary key but optimized with unique and standard indexes for common queries. The UPSERT query was used for data insertion, and the order of columns in multicolumn indexes was optimized for performance. After launching DEX, the system scaled to 1,000 inserts per second, leading to performance degradation. Precomputed aggregates were implemented to improve query performance, resulting in up to a 1000x improvement. Table partitioning was considered but ultimately not pursued due to its manual management requirements. TimescaleDB was explored as an alternative to enhance query performance, offering features like automatic partition management, continuous aggregates, and compression. A side-by-side comparison with PostgreSQL showed significant performance improvements, particularly for longer time windows. TimescaleDB's integration allowed for efficient data retention and aggregation, simplifying the infrastructure. Following the success of DEX, other teams at Cloudflare began using TimescaleDB for analytics and reporting, consolidating data from various sources and managing high ingestion rates effectively by optimizing data handling techniques such as switching to COPY for bulk inserts and adjusting replication settings.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

I Tried Signal, Telegram and WhatsApp, and This Is the One I’d Recommend

Telegram retains data necessary for its operations, including metadata like IP addresses. In 2024, the company updated its privacy policy to clarify that it can disclose IP addresses and phone numbers of rule violators to law enforcement upon valid legal requests. This resulted in Telegram fulfilling 900 information requests from U.S. authorities in 2024, affecting 2,253 individuals. Telegram has experienced data breaches, including a 2020 incident where 42 million Iranian users had their data compromised and a 2019 vulnerability exploited by Chinese agencies affecting protestor identities in Hong Kong. The platform allows users to create public channels for sharing content, but these channels are not end-to-end encrypted. Telegram offers secret chats that are end-to-end encrypted, but they are limited to the device of origin. The app allows for automatic message deletion, with a minimum interval of one day, and features a self-destruct option for accounts after a period of inactivity. Telegram's client applications are open-source, while its server-side code is closed-source. The company operates on a freemium model, offering a paid tier for enhanced features. Telegram is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Firms on Windows 10 will get more time before support runs out

The end of support for Windows 10, originally set for October 14, 2025, has been postponed for certain users, particularly accounting firms, allowing them more time to upgrade. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates program for select Windows 10 users, which requires a fee per device for continued security updates, but does not include new features or general tech support. A December 2023 report indicates that 47% of accountants still rely on Windows 10, with approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs actively used in accounting firms. Over half of all devices have migrated to Windows 11, which holds about 52% of the market. Experts recommend delaying upgrades to Windows 11 in favor of Windows 12, expected to be more optimized for AI, with potential hardware investments needed for the transition.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey quietly dropped a game-changing chat app and it’s already full: All about it

Tech entrepreneur Jack Dorsey has launched a decentralized messaging application called Bitchat, designed to function independently of the internet and without the need for personal information. The app facilitates peer-to-peer messaging through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, allowing communication over distances greater than 300 meters without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. It is currently in beta testing via Apple’s TestFlight. A whitepaper on GitHub details its functionality, with each phone acting as both sender and receiver for multi-hop message transfers. Bitchat prioritizes user privacy by not requiring a phone number or email address. Messages are temporarily stored on devices, with an automatic caching system to ensure delivery when the recipient reconnects to the network. The app features a tiered message retention system, where standard messages are deleted after 12 hours and “favourites” are kept indefinitely. It uses end-to-end encryption with Curve25519 and AES-GCM for data protection. The app includes user mentions, topic-based rooms, and password protection for secure communications, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional centralized messaging platforms.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat, A Bluetooth Messaging App

Jack Dorsey has introduced Bitchat, a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging application that operates on Bluetooth networks without the need for an Internet connection, phone numbers, or email addresses. It utilizes Bluetooth mesh networks for encrypted communication, allowing messages to "hop" across devices. Messages are stored only on users' devices and disappear by default, with privacy features like cover traffic, timing randomization, and ephemeral identities for user anonymity. Bitchat supports group chats identified by hashtags, which can be password-protected, and allows messages to be forwarded to offline users. Dorsey described Bitchat as a weekend project focused on exploring Bluetooth mesh networks and encryption techniques. The app is currently in beta testing via TestFlight, which has reached capacity, and there are plans to integrate WiFi Direct support to enhance its capabilities.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat: All About The Messaging App That Works Without Internet

Jack Dorsey has introduced a beta version of a messaging app called Bitchat, which operates without an internet connection by utilizing Bluetooth technology for encrypted messaging between nearby devices. Bitchat functions on a peer-to-peer basis through Bluetooth mesh networks, allowing users to send encrypted messages without reliance on central servers or personal identifiers. The app enables local Bluetooth groups for message sharing and features group chats called "rooms," which can be secured with passwords. Messages are stored on users' devices and disappear by default. Bitchat draws inspiration from Bluetooth applications used during the 2019 Hong Kong protests and aims to provide communication during internet shutdowns. All 10,000 beta testing slots were filled quickly, and the app is currently under review for an official launch.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey builds offline messaging app Bitchat that works without Wi-Fi or mobile network

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has launched Bitchat, a messaging application that operates independently of the internet or mobile networks, using Bluetooth mesh networking for secure and anonymous communication. The app, currently in beta testing, does not require phone numbers, email addresses, or user accounts, allowing encrypted messages to be transmitted directly between nearby devices. Messages are end-to-end encrypted and disappear by default, with no data stored on a central server. Bitchat also features group chat rooms, mentions using @handles, and password-protected conversations. A store-and-forward mechanism allows messages to be saved and delivered later. Dorsey plans to integrate Wi-Fi Direct support to enhance communication range and speed. The whitepaper discusses potential use cases for Bitchat, including disaster response and community coordination.

BetaBeacon

July 8, 2025

Download Fishdom (free) for macOS, Android, APK and iOS

- Fishdom is a free game that allows players to create and personalize their virtual aquarium by solving puzzles and earning rewards like coins and enhancements. - Fishdom is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices. - Alternatives to Fishdom include games like Candy Crush Saga, Disney POP TOWN, and Panda Pop, each offering a unique twist on puzzle-solving and decoration.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Didn’t Kill Blue Screen Of Death, But What’s Coming May Be A Problem

Microsoft is redesigning the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) for Windows 11, transforming it into a Black Screen of Death with a black background and without the frowny face icon. The new screen will still provide essential information about the need to restart the device. This redesign may cause confusion among users due to its resemblance to the Windows Update screen. Additionally, with the introduction of Windows 11 24H2, the operating system can create a crash dump collection file more quickly, allowing for reboots from the BSOD screen in approximately two seconds.