Volla Messages: Promising New Alternative to Popular Messengers

The German smartphone manufacturer Volla Systeme has launched the beta version of its messaging application, Volla Messages, which positions itself as a competitor to established platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Despite the initial excitement surrounding its launch, the app currently lacks significant advantages over its more established counterparts.

As it stands, Volla Messages offers basic functionalities typical of messaging apps, allowing users to send text messages and share links, photos, and files, according to the company. Features such as audio and video conferencing for both individual and group chats are on the drawing board. The application operates on a peer-to-peer (P2P) model, where users' devices connect to form the 'Volla Cloud' to transmit messages. This design eliminates the need for traditional registration or account creation, as it does not rely on centralized or federated servers. However, users must first exchange a contact code to connect with one another.

While the app claims to be peer-to-peer, encrypted, and secure, it does not provide substantial information that suggests it poses a real threat to WhatsApp's dominance. P2P systems often distribute data across various untrusted devices, requiring significant efforts to ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with regulations like the GDPR. Volla claims to address these challenges by ensuring that data is shared exclusively between chat partners. However, this means that for messages to be exchanged, at least one participant must be online at the same time, which can limit usability. In group chats, participants can relay messages, allowing for some flexibility in online availability.

The underlying technology of the Volla Cloud is based on Holochain, a so-called 'post-blockchain technology.' According to Volla, this framework allows for targeted deletion of information, which contrasts with the typical permanence associated with blockchain data storage. Despite this claim, the company has not clarified what specific advantages Holochain offers over other P2P systems. When questioned, representatives from Volla explained that Holochain is not a blockchain but utilizes Distributed Hashtables (DHT) to prevent data alteration or compromise, similar to blockchain mechanisms. However, DHTs are an established component of many P2P systems, and the claim that Holochain resolves critical issues related to energy consumption and unlimited data growth remains vague.

When it comes to encryption--an essential feature for any messaging platform--there is still uncertainty surrounding Volla Messages. While the application is advertised as offering end-to-end encryption, the lack of detailed information on the encryption methods used raises questions about its security. The company confirmed that it employs end-to-end encryption but has yet to release a comprehensive white paper or sufficient documentation on the matter.

In conclusion, Volla Messages has a long way to go in terms of development and transparency before it can be considered a viable alternative to WhatsApp or Telegram. Unlike WhatsApp, the source code for Volla Messages is available, but it is not open-source in the traditional sense; the constraints of the 'Volla License' do not align with the standards set by organizations such as the Open Source Initiative or the Free Software Foundation. Until Volla can demonstrate its application's capabilities and security more convincingly, users may be better off opting for other messaging platforms that have a proven track record of security and usability.