I am really struggling to replace facebook messenger / whatsapp for a few casual conversations. My friends and I are all wanting to move away. We are not heavy users of this but need it to work. I think the requirements are:

  • floss client for android, linux, windows

  • persistent history across devices

  • reasonable security

  • don’t need to self host server

  • can send a message to offline user, they get it when they come online

  • not tied to or reliant on phone number / cell service

  • ETA: end user documentation explaining how to set up and common troubleshooting

tried:

  • matrix: the thing with having to keep track of room keys and stuff is too complicated. every time someone uses a new device it is a ton of issues and we could never quite get it ironed out

  • signal: tied to phone number, no history across devices

  • xmpp: similar to matrix the key situation is confusing, also no cross device history

  • ETA: simpleX: a lot of people here are mentioning simpleX. It didn’t come up in previous investigations so will give it a shot.

    • ETA 2: It doesn’t seem to have persistent history across devices. Clarification?

I actually didn’t think this would be such a problem but it is breaking us. we don’t need a lot of sophisticated features like voice, video, moderation, 1000s of participants, spam protection etc that seem to be of concern to the projects. just simple text chat.

        • linuxPIPEpower@discuss.tchncs.deOP
          0·
          11 months ago

          Sorry that was pretty unclear lol

          I was linking to another comment I wrote in this thread about this very strange cryptocurrency-based chat thing. I sort of had the impression maybe you have some prior knowledge of this. I never heard of it and find it puzzling just what the heck they are up to. I am not gonna use it because it smells bad. But am now interested to know what sort of business is going on. The person who recommended it sounds very satisfied with the chat interface. Why/how is it attached to crypto? Just… so weird.

          • erAck@discuss.tchncs.de
            2·
            11 months ago
            • Session connects to Oxen Service Nodes.
            • One can run such node only if one buys into $OXEN.

            That already is sufficient to stay away.

            Additionally, node operators are rewarded in $OXEN for services offered on nodes, mined on the Oxen blockchain.

            If these nodes cease to operate, Session will be dead.