The Matrix decentralized communication tool tested
Talk Talk
© Lead Image © SORAPONG CHAIPANYA, 123RF.com
One tool to rule all online communication: one tool to find them, one tool to bring them all in, and the Matrix to bind them. An open standard for decentralized communication enters the scene.
In the last 20 years, users have seen a number of communication tools come and go on the Internet. Text-based classics like IRC and ICQ made way for audio and video chatting with Skype, Google Hangouts, and others. If you were in Facebook groups five years ago, like-minded people now meet on WhatsApp, Snapchat, or another mobile messaging application. It's difficult remembering your way around all the apps and programs and remembering who you meet on what channel.
Matrix [1] promises to reorganize online communication. The web-based RTC and HTTP protocol is released under the Apache license and aims to bring all the services together under a single roof: Everyone chats in the style they like but can still reach everyone else. End-to-end encryption and a free choice of clients are just a few of the features the developers are planning. In addition to text, video, and audio communication, the service is looking to provide interfaces for the Internet of Things.
Distributed but Shared
Matrix does not route communication via a central server, nor does it connect the participants' computers directly. Instead, home servers collaborate. They also act as account servers. Each user can be reached via a unique ID on the matrix network. The ID comprises the nickname and the server address, as in @Mela:matrix.org or @hej:matrix.org.
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