Brave (BAT) Tests Encrypted Video Calling Features
Brave browser, arguably the world’s most-widely used crypto-based platform, announced on May 26 that video-calling capabilities are now a part of the browser.
Privacy Calling
As per a tweet, “private and unlimited” video calls can now be made via the Brave platform. Currently available on Brave Nighly, the protocol’s testing and development version, the “Together” update features end-to-end encryption for video calls—but is still in testing mode with incomplete features.
Our Nightly version for North America now features Brave Together, our private and unlimited video calling service based on open source @jitsinews. Click on the widget & start connecting with friends/colleagues. Feedback welcome at https://t.co/SWLpcAKZDq for this trial version. pic.twitter.com/UPFE13Z0xB
— Brave Software (@brave) May 26, 2020
The application is based on open-source video calling software Jitsi, a French software created by Emil Ivov in 2003 and used by many privacy proponents, such as NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.
While no accounts will be necessary for initiating video calls, only Brave Browser users can access “Together.” The service is limited to North America at the moment, while support for Android and iOS is expected to arrive later. Users will be able to launch a session either from the widget available on the landing page or by heading over to the Brave Together website.
A host of options have made their way on to Brave Together, including video quality controls, screen sharing, text chat, and the ability to alert users by “raising your hand,” among others. However, more privacy-centric Jitsi features – such as blurring the backgrounds – do not feature currently.
Zoom or Not
It’s unclear if Together positions itself as a Zoom or Hangouts alternative, or a more casual version of video-conferencing such as WhatsApp calls. Current features are not as dynamic as commercial entities, but the focus on privacy and encryption are highly-touted.
Zoom has been in the doldrums lately. The application was blasted by Google and SpaceX for poor encryption and security measures, with both companies barring employees from using the startup’s services.
Together is in a development phase, meaning weeks ahead before a public released and the likely addition of more features.
This is Brave’s second major development in two months. Earlier in April, the protocol released a security update to prevent websites from “fingerprinting” users and creating a customized data pool for advertisers. BTCManager reported on the development, and the company’s unidirectional focus on privacy is unparalleled.
Meanwhile, Brave is enjoying increased popularity. The browser surged to top-position among all browsers in Japan earlier this month and is currently a top-ten mobile application by total downloads in the country.
