Status quo
- multiple messenger apps in use
- messengers in use not in compliance with data protection and privacy
- some members hesitate to switch messenger
- using multiple messengers in parallel is cumbersome
RCS Vs Messenger
RCS the Rich Communication Service is as ubiquitous available as SMS (which it is replacing). Phones come with RCS already preinstalled, no configuration or app installation by the user is needed.
| . | RCS | Signal | Matrix | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop | Mobile | Via mobile | Yes | Yes |
| Groups | Yes | Yes | Yes | Rooms |
| Images | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Python Bot SDK | Eval | No? | ? | Yes! |
| Threads | No | No | No | Yes |
Bridges
So called Bridges allow to connect to Messengers with an open API
matrix bridges require a selfhosted matrix server
Enterprise hosting options are available.
With bridges the Element App becomes an universal messenger.
Beeper
beeper is a commercial run matrix server and app. A free usage tier is available.
In effect a new matrix account at beeper.com is created.
Login with an existing matrix.org account is not possible (at least i was not able to)
Comparison
| Bridge | Beeper | |
|---|---|---|
| use existent matrix account | ✅ | ❌ |
| use oh-bot | ✅ | ❌❓ |
| bridges | unlimited | 6 in free plan |
| desktop App Mac | ✅ | only silicon |
| desktop App Linux | ✅ | in evaluation |
| desktop App Windows | ✅ | in evaluation |
| iPad | ✅ | ✅ |
| Android | ✅ | ✅ |
| nextcloud integration | ✅ | ❓ |
| ease of setup | enter user account as text string | six digits per email, compare six emojis |
In Evaluation
Connecting a Beeper account to matrix.org is surprisingly difficult.
To log into Element/matrix.org with a beeper.com account (required to use Beeper) a password is needed. Beeper Accounts are granted after email verification without a password.
To get a beeper account password it is to be requested from Beeper Support.
Beeper Support then knows your password.🙀
Entering a matrix.org room through Beeper is not possible on the mobile App.
The osx Desktop App is only available on slilicone.
On Beeper the unread marker keeps reappearing on some messages (telegram and signal)