I switched from a popular encrypted app to a smaller one after a friend in Hong Kong got flagged.

I chose a smaller, open-source app called Briar over a bigger one because it works offline with Bluetooth, and it's been solid for my weekly chats with my cousin in a place with spotty internet.

3 comments

3 Comments

jake_thompson3mo ago

Briar is the real deal for that kind of situation. Honestly, my friend and I tested it out in a parking garage, and the Bluetooth chat worked when our regular texts just died. It feels like we're secret agents passing notes.

victor2192mo ago

Ha, I read a review somewhere that called Briar "the app for when the internet takes a nap." Made me laugh but it's pretty accurate. The Bluetooth mesh thing is clever because it doesn't need a tower or wifi. It's basically like passing notes in class except you're a grown adult in a parking garage. I bet that could be handy in a blackout or a crowded event when everyone's phone is useless.

ericp673mo ago

Keep a power bank handy for longer outages.