Monero’s home is right now on Matrix. I’m disputing that. This is a video follow-up with some of the replies from last time.
If you are new, XMPP and Matrix are two competing federated end-to-end encrypted messengers. XMPP is far better, on server cost decentralization, speed over Tor, degoogled push notifications, multi-identities, and overall privacy. So if Matrix is inferior centralized bloatware, why is it more popular? Especially among XMR techies, who should in theory understand these concepts.
This brand new video gives a quick overview of the technical reasons that XMPP is the gold standard king of federation. And it briefly discusses how Matrix manages to push it’s agenda: https://video.simplifiedprivacy.com/xmpp-vs-matrix-why-matrix-sucks/
Some critics will say that “Matrix is a complete package, while XMPP is fragmented”. This is essentially propaganda, because all the XMPP clients interact (Dino, Gajim, conversations, monocles). The only one that doesn’t interact is OTR encryption from pidgin which provides an alternative for hardcore cypherpunks who want to destroy the encryption keys when the conversation is done. So because one single client has an alternative use case, the Matrix cheerleaders want us to fill out Google Captcha spyware to register on Matrix.org because it costs so much to self-host.
The majority of matrix servers do require google & email though, especially when compared to xmpp.
as far as dendrite goes, we’re talking about using Tor & a degoogled phone without google push notifications. can you honestly tell me that matrix is not slower than XMPP here?
As far as xmpp e2ee multi-device, you’re right that it’s not perfect. I agree with your criticism, but it’s BETTER than matrix.
@ShadowRebel
>as far as dendrite goes, we’re talking about using Tor & a degoogled phone without google push notifications.
I have been doing that for years now, kiddo. CalyxOS user of 2 years, here—before that I have used GrapheneOS. Both without microG or any other google play compatibility layers.
I use Element Android with Orbot proxy. It is pretty usable. I get notifications, a-Okay. Nothing to fearmonger about there.
If xmpp is really better than matrix, then you shouldn’t be needing these “half-truth” videos to spread its use.
Anyways. Do what you gotta do.
What pixel are you using? And what is your internet speed without tor/vpn? Cause if you’re in a huge city with 1G and using a brand new pixel 7 then yeah you might be fine. But if you’re in a rural area with a pixel 4, then xmpp may shine
@k4r4b3y @ShadowRebel Matrix seems to be focusing on the needs of its corporate clients lately. Interesting projects like P2P matrix, low-bandwidth and portable identity are not getting attention. Instead, they are making OIDC mandatory:
https://matrix.org/blog/2023/09/better-auth/
Over time I’ve become less enthusiastic about Matrix. I’m not saying we should ditch it, but it’s good to have a FOSS-oriented alternative (XMPP), just in case.