Snapchat demands users' full attention by imposing time limits on messages and providing some privacy. A new app called FireChat allows Android users to chat with others nearby even without an internet connection or cellular coverage by taking advantage of Open Garden's mesh networking technology. FireChat features include instantly messaging anyone nearby, seeing public conversations within 30 feet, and easy login without accounts.

1. A Major Development in
Communication
Joan Vinall-Cox, Ph.D.

2. Designing for Attention
http://www.zephoria.org/thoughts/archives/2014/03/21/snapchat-
attention.html
• Developers are working to design apps that
make use of our current digital habits
• To combat multitasking, lack of attention, and
spreadability,
• Snapchat demands attention by the time limit
• And provides some privacy

3. Beyond Wifi
• “San Francisco, CA – April 3, 2014 – Open Garden
announced today that its newest app, FireChat, is
now available on Google Play. The app takes
advantage of Open Garden’s proprietary mesh
networking technology and gives people the
ability to chat with others around them on
Android devices – even when no Internet
connection or cellular coverage is available.” -
http://bgr.com/2014/04/03/firechat-for-android-
launch/

4. FireChat
• “Features:
– Instantly message anyone around you on Android devices,
– Works even without any Internet connection or any type of
mobile coverage
– Chat with one person or with a group of people at once,
– See what people are talking about everywhere in the
“Everyone” mode, or create conversations that only people
near you can join in the “Nearby” mode,
– “Nearby chat” works best within 30 feet of your location,
– Easy: no Facebook or email login, no password to remember,
– Use it at home or when travelling anywhere in the world.”
- http://opengarden.net/2014/04/announcing-firechat-for-
android-chat-without-an-internet-connection/