Mobile comms company Gliph is backing Bitcoin - anyone using its mobile applications can now send, and receive, Bitcoins.

Gliph's mobile apps for iPhones and Google phones allow users to exchange secure text messages which are encrypted and can be permanently deleted. The latest version will also let you send Bitcoin payments.

The company said staff had become fascinated by the alternative currency in recent months. But they found aspects of it difficult or irritating to use.

Setting up a wallet was not simple and existing solutions were not easy enough to use. Staff found sending Bitcoins involved cutting and pasting long number strings into tiny text boxes.

They also found that discussing Bitcoin transactions via email or text could potentially endanger the very anonymity the currency can provide.

Gliph said:

1. We are making it extremely easy to send Bitcoin with other Gliph users.

2. We are providing a secure environment to discuss transactions that end in Bitcoin payments.

3. We are pairing identity with Bitcoin wallet addresses.

Payments will be made via a Coinbase wallet.

Gliph's blog post is here.

In other news Gliph is joining Boost VC's stable of Bitcoin start-ups. Boost backs the signing with office space in San Mateo and $50,000 investment. Gliph will move from its current headquarters in Portland, Oregon in June - it thanked the Portland community for its support.

Gliph is at this weekend's Bitcoin 2013 conference in San Jose. CoinDesk will be there too and providing full coverage all weekend - stay tuned.