I’m excited to share with you an instant messaging application I’ve been working on that might interest you. This is a chat app designed to work within your browser, with a focus on browser-based security and decentralization.
What makes this app unique is that it doesn’t rely on messaging servers to function. Instead, it works based on your browser’s javascript capabilities, so even low-end devices should work.
Here are some features of the app:
Encrypted messaging: Your messages are encrypted, making them more secure.
File sharing: Easily share files using WebRTC technology and QR codes.
Voice and video calls: Connect with others through voice and video calls.
Shared virtual space: Explore a shared mixed-reality space.
Image board: Browse and share images in a scrollable format.
Your security is a top priority. Here’s how the app keeps you safe:
Decentralized authentication: No central server is required for login, making it harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access.
Unique IDs: Your ID is cryptographically random, adding an extra layer of security.
End-to-end encryption: Your messages are encrypted from your device to the recipient’s device, ensuring only you and the recipient can read them.
Local data storage: Your data is stored only on your device, not on any external servers.
Self-hostable: You have the option to host the app on your own server if you prefer.
The app is still in the early stages and I’m exploring what’s possible with this technology. I’d love to hear your feedback on the idea and the current state of the app. If you have any feature requests or ideas, I’m all ears in the comments below!
It’s an interesting idea. If it can make it easier to share files with friends then I’d be in. Voice and video have always been challenging as I understand it, so I’m expecting that to come later. Very ambitious, but cool if you can pull it off!
All right I tried out the live app, to connect my phone to my desktop. Couldn’t get it to work. Tried the link method both ways, once normal and once animals. Tried the QR code too. All it does is bring me to a “contacts” page, which is essentially the same screen, or to a “new peer” one. Tried looking at the docs but didn’t see what I might be doing wrong there. Do certain plug ins mess it up like ublock origin? Anything else?
Its best to start off by clearing all site data from the browser settings.
Do not have multiple tabs of the app on the same device.
It doesnt hurt to refresh to page.
What you’re describing might be related to there being 2 tabs of the app running. This results in both reacting to the new-connection-event, but ultimately resulting in a data conflict.
Plugins shouldn’t be an issue. For stronger security, i have CSP headers to try to prevent browser plugins reading data.
If nothing works then the egg is squarely on my face and my buggy app is too buggy.
It’s an interesting idea. If it can make it easier to share files with friends then I’d be in. Voice and video have always been challenging as I understand it, so I’m expecting that to come later. Very ambitious, but cool if you can pull it off!
There is a lot to be fixed throughout but file transfer and video calls should be working if you try out the live app.
All right I tried out the live app, to connect my phone to my desktop. Couldn’t get it to work. Tried the link method both ways, once normal and once animals. Tried the QR code too. All it does is bring me to a “contacts” page, which is essentially the same screen, or to a “new peer” one. Tried looking at the docs but didn’t see what I might be doing wrong there. Do certain plug ins mess it up like ublock origin? Anything else?
Sorry. It’s quite buggy.
What you’re describing might be related to there being 2 tabs of the app running. This results in both reacting to the new-connection-event, but ultimately resulting in a data conflict.
Plugins shouldn’t be an issue. For stronger security, i have CSP headers to try to prevent browser plugins reading data.
If nothing works then the egg is squarely on my face and my buggy app is too buggy.