Awesome

Tides: A Nostr-based Messenger

Tides is a messaging application built as Chrome extension that enables secure and private communication using the Nostr protocol.

Features

• Secure login via:
  • NIP-07 browser extension (recommended)
  • Chrome storage
  • Manual private key (nsec)
• Real-time encrypted messaging
• Contact management with profile pictures and usernames
• Message notifications with sound
• Media sharing support (images, videos, GIFs)
• Emoji picker
• Link previews
• Multi-relay support

Installation

1. Download the latest release from the releases page

2. Install in Chrome:

   • Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions
   • Enable "Developer mode" in the top right
   • Click "Load unpacked" in the top left
   • Select the downloaded and unzipped Tides folder

3. Click the Tides icon in your Chrome toolbar to start using the app

Login Methods

1. NIP-07 Extension (Recommended)

   • Install a Nostr signer extension (like nos2x or Alby)
   • Click "Login with Extension" in Tides

2. Chrome Storage

   • Your credentials will be securely stored in Chrome
   • Automatically logs you in on browser restart

3. Manual Login

   • Enter your nsec private key
   • Not recommended for regular use

Technical Details

Built using:

• nostr-tools for protocol handling
• Native WebSocket for relay connections
• Chrome Storage API for data persistence
• Web Notifications API
• Giphy API for GIF support

Supports NIPs:

• NIP-01: Basic protocol
• NIP-04: Encrypted Direct Messages
• NIP-05: DNS Identifiers
• NIP-07: Browser Extension
• NIP-44: Versioned Encryption
• NIP-89: Application Handlers

Privacy & Security

• End-to-end encrypted messages
• No central server
• Private keys never leave your device
• Open source and auditable

License

MIT License - See LICENSE file for details