Matrix has problems

Matrix is in an concerning state now.

Element Call

Element Call is a new VoIP protocol pushed by New Vector. Unlike the existing implementation, it allows group calls and standalone implementation.

Element Call currently has issues with VP8 encoding overheat, unstable connection, little touchscreen problem and etc.

While the old implementation is still perfectly working, Element has turned it on for all release instances. This causes privacy converns for me as the data goes through Element’s own server. In the meanwhile, Element Call has a broken readme which prevents most server owners to learn and deploy their own.

Element Call is also not compatible with the legacy VoIP. Which means you have to use at least 2 clients if you want to receive all calls, which is amazing!

Sliding Sync

Sliding Sync, originally MSC3575 is the third version for clients to sync messages. This is designed for next generation clients featuring super fast speed. Element claims that SS is 6000x faster than others(now changed to 20000x), which is straight up bullshit and doesn’t even have a source.

Initially we were amazed by this claim, and indeed it is faster than the old Element iOS client. But after some time, they introduced several bugs (2, 3) and the shiny new Simplified Sliding Sync, known as the SSS. It is pushed to Element X and Synapse in a fast speed and left other server implementations behind (since they only have native SS or SS proxy support). They’ve even planned on deprecating the original SS code, which kills any other server implementation. (For context, matrix rust SDK plans to remove the old sliding sync code in months, and users on dendrite and conduit are screwed.)

Authenticated Media

Authenticated media plugs a hole in the Matrix spec where media can be downloaded easily without verification. The spec says servers should not provide the old endpoint, which breaks many up-to-date and outdated client.

Authenticated media is rushed, leaving a very short period of time and leads to the rushing of client and server developers. FluffyChat developer even decided not to go to the dentist just to implement that spec. Matrix.org enabled this in just 11 weeks. Cinny, a featured client on matrix.org did not support this until weeks later.

And yeah… These aren’t the only problems matrix.org have, stay tuned for more, heh.