Bit Chat v3.1 Released

Technitium Bit Chat is a secure, peer-to-peer (p2p), open source instant messenger designed to provide end-to-end encryption. Primary aim of developing this instant messenger is to provide privacy which is achieved using strong cryptography. It can be used over Internet and private LAN networks for instant messaging and file transfer.

Technitium Bit Chat version 3.1 (alpha) is now available to download from the main website and via automatic update mechanism for existing installations. The software checks for new update automatically with every start but, you can also use the Check For Updates option in the main menu to get an update instantly.

The latest update includes many changes which are not compatible with previous versions, due to this, all peers will need to update to the latest version to be able to chat. New features in this update are mentioned below:

• One-to-one private chat feature is added in addition to the existing group chat feature. This feature will allow users to do one-to-one secure chat by entering each other's email address and an optional shared secret.
• Profile certificate registration process now allows you to import RSA private key in PEM format. So, you can use an existing key or generate a new key using OpenSSL and import it.
• Profile certificate now can be reissued with ease using new Reissue button in profile manager. This feature allows you to make changes to your profile data, keeping the same email address and profile settings intact.
• Additional authentication feature added in the protocol to verify if the peer has generated the same master key during the protocol handshake.
• User typing notification feature added to let you know when peer on opposite end is tying message.
• Copy files and paste it into the message text box to share them instantly.
• User profile viewer now displays the cipher suite being used to secure the peer-to-peer communication.
• Improved local peer discovery design implemented to avoid periodic announcements on local LAN. This module allows peers to discover each other over LAN networks to allow communication over private network without Internet connectivity.

And as always, send your feedback to support@bitchat.im.