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The iOS 7 feature is called Multipeer Connectivity Framework (MCF)
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It creates what's called a wireless mesh, or peer-to-peer, network
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Instead of sending messages using a mobile signal, the free app
creates its own network where each mobile on it becomes a 'node'
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This means people in close proximity can message other nodes
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Messages are also sent over long distance by relaying data from
one node to another anonymously
Buried within the
settings of Apple’s iOS 7 is a feature that could revolutionise how we
communicate.
Called the Multipeer
Connectivity Framework (MCF), it lets you send messages and photos even when a
person has no signal.
Now a group of
developers has created a free iPhone app called FireChat that takes advantage
of this feature - and it even works over long distances.
The FireChat app was
developed by the crowdsourced firm Open Garden. When a user opens the app, they
can pick a screen name to start sending messages.
Within the app there are
'chatrooms' with 'Everyone' and 'Nearby' options.
The former will search
for all users, while the latter option applies to people within Bluetooth and
Wi-Fi range who are also using the app.
This is particularly
useful when on a plane, or the underground. It can also be used to save money
on data plans, for example.
Apple added MCF to its
iOS 7 software last year.
It creates what is
called a wireless mesh network that connects phones to each other.
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