Source - status.im
1). Give your opinion on the existence of Status on the current messaging app?
Status app in the messaging ecosystem is there to change the narrative, and reshape instant messaging from the way it is known and currently operated. For a long time in history, we have relied on centralized bodies to host and deploy messaging applications such as Messenger, WhatsApp, etc. However, the issue of censorship still remains as these messaging service hosts constantly monitor communication between users to regulate users’ interactions, and even where they promise “end-to-end encryption”, time and again, it has been found that these big multinational firms who provide communication services, voluntarily leave backdoors so as to be able to regulate information flow in some ways, and regulate users’ actions.
The Status app promises to operate a fully decentralized system, through a peer-to-peer (P2P) network across a blockchain. With this, Status already stands out greatly from other players in the instant messaging space, as privacy is maintained at its apex. The approach towards privacy operational in the Status app is at the apex, up to the point that Status does not require one’s name, phone number, email or other personal information for a user to sign up.
The Status app P2P approach to instant messaging implies that messages are only visible to the parties involved and messages thus, there is no risk of a data leak, data losses, data manipulation and even data censorship.
Running a blockchain communication system like Status is a two-edged sword, as at some point, it could provide numerous benefits and satisfaction for the users; however, it has also been observed that bad actors usually thrive using these communication channels provided by decentralized applications such as Status. However, the key takeaway remains, all humans have the right to their privacy and Status is helping in its way to contribute to reaching the fundamental human rights of individuals.
2). What is the message delivery mechanism used in Status? Give a complete explanation along with illustrations with pictures
Unlike other instant messaging platforms and systems where messages must go throw a designated ran by the host company before getting to the recipient (a client-server model); the Status app operates a Peer-to-Peer model in which messages do not go through a predefined server, but parties in the conversation chat/communicate directly between themselves without third party interference.
Source - Testandtrack.io
A Peer-to-Peer mechanism implies that all connected computers to the blockchain serve as individual servers, thus, there is no need for a centralized server. When messages are sent, it goes around the different computers (nodes) encrypted and only the intended recipient will be notified and can thereby decrypt the message and view its content.
A perfect illustration of this is found in the short .gif clip below published by the Status App makers.
Source - Status.im
3). What distinguishes the Key Cards offered by Status with Hardwallet in general? What's unique about it?
Source - Coindesk
Keycard is a hardware wallet that works with the Status app. It gives Status users a better level of protection and control over their private keys. When conducting a transaction, you must tap (along with inputting a pin) on your phone to access Keycard, which is cold storage for your assets.
The keycard is designed to be a mobile-friendly hardware wallet from the ground up that could enable authentication of a transaction as well as act as a two-factor authentication device. It uses NFC contactless technology to interact with your phone and sign transactions with a swipe of the card and the keycard PIN number. Furthermore, its physical factor makes it incredibly portable.
Compared to other hardware wallets, Keycard is a low-cost device since it lacks a screen and keyboard. When used with a trusted application like Status, the security level of Keycard is comparable to that of a Ledger. Keycard may also be used as two-factor authentication (two-factor authentication) method to prevent access to your Status account. You must touch your card and enter your PIN to access your account. Interestingly, to ensure that the keycard is ultra-secure when authenticating a transaction with the keycard, the private keys do not leave the keycard, this is a stack contrast from other available hardware wallets.
4). Show the steps to create an account on Status in full. (Screenshot required).
CREATING AN ACCOUNT ON STATUS
5). Show the steps for backing up recovery phrases for a complete Status account. (Screenshot required)
BACKING UP RECOVERY SEED PHRASE ON STATUS
6). Explore all the features in the Status application. (Screenshot required).
STATUS FEATURES
7). Show how to connect the Crypto Wallet in your Status account with a DApp using Web3 Browser. (Screenshot required).
CONNECTING STATUS WALLET TO A DAPP
8). Create a new Crypto Wallet account in the Status app. (Screenshot required).
CREATING A NEW WALLET IN STATUS APP
9). Show how to connect a separate Crypto Wallet to the Status app. (Screenshot required).
CONNECTING A SEPARATE CRYPTO WALLET TO STATUS
10). Conclusion
The status app is simply an interesting ecosystem that provides not just communication features, but financial management and crypto asset management. If utilized properly, the Status app could serve most of a user’s information and technology needs within their smartphone while guaranteeing the ultimate user's privacy.