[FROM THE ARCHIVES] Burn all the text messages! - Week 3

BurnText.xzy

This week's app takes us into the realm of "privacy" and one of disposable messaging services. BurnText is an app that allows you to enter a message, enter a phone number (U.S. Only) and send that message to that number. "You just described a text and or Snapchat", is what you're thinking. Well yes it is, but that's not how BurnText works. When you send your message via the app BurnText ships it to the backend server and distributes the message via a link to the number you entered. It looks like this when you get a BurnText.

While I'm aware that this concept serves a similar purpose to the text messages in Snapchat, it's not based on the same rationale. If you needed to get a text to someone, and you don't want a 3rd party to retain the information unencrypted or not. I don't believe Snapchat or any similar service will suffice. Why? Check this out from their "Information You Choose to Give Us" section.

Example:

Snapchat servers are designed to automatically delete a message sent in Chat after you and the recipient have both viewed it and swiped out of the Chat screen — unless either of you press and hold to save it.

Sooooo, what about when they don't. I'm not saying Snapchat is bad or doesn't serve a purpose. It's just not the same purpose. Snapchat and similar services also make you create an account. This account links everything you do to you (dem logs). BurnText was created to allow for no account required access to private messaging. If you want to include your name, do it in the text. If you don't, don't.

Also the Gibson API Review.

With BurnText your message is shipped to the backend via HTTPS, encrypted (will be next week) and then the link is sent. This message will be destroyed when it's viewed or in 24 hours. No more, no less. Everything is throw-away. This outlines the entirety of what BurnText will do with your data.

This app is "done" for this week but not published. Next week is a continuation to implement the encryption and clean up some user input methods.

Check it out in action as well as some cool footage in the video below: App breakdown is at like 4:38.

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](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gooWllP3oBY)

Stay tuned for next week when you can use BurnText yourself. I mean if Google lets me publish this time.

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