Status, The Next Generation Private Messaging App
The Web3 ecosystem has grown over the years with the introduction of Decentralized Applications (also known as DApps). These are digital applications or programs that exist and run on a blockchain or peer-to-peer (P2P) network of computers instead of a single computer. Meaning none of data running through these apps are under the control of a single authority as compared to popular Web2 applications like Facebook and Twitter but it gives users power over where their information goes and how it is used.
In my research of DApp alternatives to already existing Web2 applications, I noticed a very interesting one. This is Status, a secure messaging app with an array of amazing features.
Built by the Status Network, this app uses a peer-to-peer model that prevents any 3rd party from controlling users’ data. Which means your data is safe from any prowling eyes. Status combines a messenger, crypto wallet, and web3 browser and gives you full control over your assets and communication.
What I love about this app is how secure it is. When you first sign up, the user has to generate a set of keys for security. Through this the user has full control of his or her account.
One key for chat and you can choose to store it on your phone or on a keycard.
After the generation of your keys, a user gets to choose a chat name. This is a unique identifier for the user and is associated to an address. This chat name cannot be changed as it forms part of your key.
Once you have your account set up, you can begin sending private messages to users on the platform, all you need is their chat name or address associated with the name.
Get Stephen Doe’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Another feature that I can say was an impressive move is the inclusion of an inbuilt crypto wallet. Status has an inbuilt wallet which supports ETH and SNT tokens by default. SNT is Status Network Token, an ERC-20 token used to access and power decentralized services in the Status Network and application. You can send and receive Ethereum with this wallet across your contacts as well as other wallets.
The wallet also allows you to purchase crypto from third parties. An example is Ramp. You can choose to send your ETH or SNT with this wallet to other Status users or external ETH wallets on the ERC20 network. A nice thing about Status is you can send your tokens directly in a chat with the transfer option.
And that’s not all, Status has an inbuilt web3 browser. You can connect to your favourite DApps and use them without having to download them from your Play Store or App Store. All DApps are grouped in categories for easy identification and you have the ability to connect your Status wallet to any of these apps.
Love what you are seeing? Status is a cross platform app and is available on the Google Play Store, Apple Appstore as well as Desktops (Windows, Mac and Linux). You can try it now and experience true security.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/status-private-communication/id1178893006
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=im.status.ethereum
