new version - a messenger that uses email as a transport instead of its own servers (chat-over-email, a specialized mail client that works like a messenger). Application code licensed under the GPLv3, and the core library is available under the MPL 2.0 (Mozilla Public License). Release on Google Play.
In the new version:
- Reduced traffic consumption. Delta Chat no longer downloads messages that will not be displayed, such as regular email messages and messages from blocked contacts.
- Added the ability to pin chats. Pinned chats always appear at the top of the list.
- When adding contacts using a QR code, you no longer need to wait for contact verification. A new contact is added instantly, while messaging for verification takes place in the background.
- Added built-in FAQ copying but available offline.
- Integrated into the application , on the basis of which prompts are generated for setting up an account for use with Delta Chat. For example, you might need to enable IMAP in your account settings or generate an app password.
- Fixed errors that caused incorrect serialization of encrypted messages when using Ed25519 keys. By default, Delta Chat still uses RSA keys, switching to Ed25519 keys is planned in future versions.
- Added to the core of the application . The kernel version is 1.27.0.
Recall that Delta Chat does not use its own servers and can work through almost any mail server that supports SMTP and IMAP (the technique is used to quickly determine when new messages arrive). ). Encryption is supported using OpenPGP and the standard for simple automatic configuration and key exchange without the use of key servers (the key is automatically transmitted in the first message sent). End-to-End Encryption Implementation Based on Code , which passed an independent security audit this year. Traffic is encrypted using TLS in the implementation of standard system libraries.
Delta Chat is completely controlled by the user and is not tied to centralized services. It does not require registration in new services to work - you can use an existing email as an identifier. If the correspondent does not use Delta Chat, he can read the message as a regular letter. The fight against spam is carried out by screening messages from unknown users (by default, only messages from users from the address book and those to whom messages were sent before, as well as replies to own messages, are displayed). It is possible to display attachments and attached images and videos.
It supports the creation of group chats in which several participants can communicate. At the same time, it is possible to bind a verified list of participants to the group, which does not allow unauthorized persons to read messages (members are verified using a cryptographic signature, and messages are encrypted using end-to-end encryption). Connection to verified groups is carried out by sending an invitation with a QR code. Verified chats are still experimental, but their support is planned to be stabilized in early 2020 after the implementation security audit is completed.
The core of the messenger is developed separately in the form of a library and can be used to write new clients and bots. The current version of the core library in Rust (old version in C language). There are bindings for Python, Node.js and Java. IN unofficial bindings for Go. An update was also released at the end of February for Linux and macOS, built on the Electron platform.
Source: opennet.ru