Review: Matrix
Matrix is a protocol for sending messages across the internet. Its main use is as an IM platform similar to WhatsApp and Telegram although it has other uses such as controlling IoT devices.
Pros:
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Federated/Decentralized: Matrix servers are decentralized in a similar way to email. Anyone can host their own server and talk to users across on other servers. This means there is absolutely no lock in and you are free to move to another server at any time without losing any of your contacts.
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Fully open source: The Matrix protocol and reference server and client software are licensed under libre licenses which ensures your freedom to use the software however you like
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Intercommunication with other protocols: matrix.org hosts bridges to other messaging services such as IRC, Gitter and Slack. This means you can talk to users who do not use Matrix, expanding the number of people you can talk to using Matrix.
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Great mobile support: There is a wonderful app for Matrix on Android and iOS called Riot
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Active development: There is a very active team of full time developers working on Matrix which listen to community feedback and are constantly adding more features.
Cons
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No feature complete native desktop clients: The reference client for matrix Riot is only available as a web app for desktop. While there are desktop clients under development which can be found on the matrix website; these clients are still lacking many of the features which riot supports.
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Still lacking some features from other IM platforms: Matrix clients while being completely usable for daily use are still lacking some desirable features however these features are quickly being added in.
In conclusion
Matrix is an exciting protocol which hopes to unite everyone together and break down walls for communication set up by proprietary solutions. Using Matrix with the Riot client is a very pleasant experience. With luck we may all be using this protocol to communicate and be done with issues of different contacts using different apps.