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Now chat with friends on Android without going online

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S Aadeetya
New Update

Imagine if a messaging app enables you to chat with your friends without worrying about internet data bill? A new mobile messaging application called FireChat does something like that and is on course to empower nearby smartphone users to stay in touch even when there's no cellular service or Internet connection.

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In just two weeks since its release on the iPhone, FireChat already has provided a flicker of hope for people pining for more effective, secure and affordable ways to communicate. That's because the free messaging app harnesses a technology called wireless mesh networking, which might someday allow a myriad of devices to connect like links in a chain.

The technique might someday be used to tie together thousands of devices with built-in radios and make it possible to be online without having to pay for the access. It could also enable online communications in remote areas or disaster zones without Wi-Fi or cellular signals. Furthermore, the conversations in these so-called "off-the-grid" networks can't be easily hacked

We are trying to create networks built by the people for the people," said Micha Benoliel, CEO, Open Garden, the maker of the FireChat app. The app already has been installed on more than 1 million iOS devices and with its Android availability now, similar response can be expected.

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