The primary daily client
The Android application is EmberChamber's primary native surface. Because mobile devices are carried everywhere, the Android client is designed to stay connected to the edge relay, receive real-time push tickets, and provide a responsive, portable portal to your trusted circles.
APK installation expectations
During the active beta testing phase, EmberChamber is distributed directly as an installable APK package from our GitHub Releases feed rather than the Google Play Store. To install the app:
- Download the latest APK file from our official Download Page or GitHub Releases.
- Enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in your Android security settings for your browser or file manager.
- Open the downloaded APK and confirm the installation.
Local SQLite storage and cache
Unlike the web companion which relies on temporary in-memory database mocks or basic IndexedDB caching, the Android client utilizes a native SQLite database. This local database stores your keys, contact trust records, DM history, and group updates. All message content searches are queried directly against this local SQLite cache, keeping your search index completely off the network.
Onboarding & invitations
Onboarding on Android requires a valid invite code from an existing member. Once input, the app initiates an email bootstrap, sending a secure magic link to verify your identity. You will be prompted to perform a self-attested 18+ affirmation to finalize account activation.
Current beta status
Android is our most feature-complete native client, but it is still a beta product:
- Push Notifications: Push channels are wired and functional on mobile and the relay. Note that production delivery requires operator keys to be fully configured in the relay control plane.
- Attachment Encryption: Native attachment E2EE is in active development. Large files or media uploads might bypass standard ciphertext wrapping compared to the browser.
Report any bugs or performance issues on Android through our Support Channel.