What is Matrix?
What is Matrix?
Matrix is the basis for an open chat platform that aims to be a viable alternative to various centralized proprietary platforms like Discord, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, or iMessage.
What makes Matrix better than those platforms?
Proprietary platforms can lock you out of your account or shutdown the service preventing you from communicate with your contacts.
Matrix operates decentralized and federated. That means that no one server is required for you to use Matrix, therefore no one person or organization can prevent you from using it. Think of it like email. As long as you know someone’s email address you can contact them. It doesn’t matter if you both use the same email provider or not (ie: gmail vs outlook) you can message them.
Why not just text message?
Text messages (SMS) are insecure. A copy of the message is stored on your device, your carrier, the carrier of recipient, and the recipient’s phone. Phone numbers are not yours, they belong to your carrier who assigns them to you. There are additional features like attachments, reactions, and the ability to access your messages from anywhere in the world through a web browser.
Who can read my messages?
Messages are encrypted by default. Only you and the person you’re chatting with can read encrypted messages.
Are all messages on Matrix encrypted?
No, there are public chatrooms like Grand Forks Talk and The Geek Lab. Public chatrooms are a great place to meet new friends, and talk about shared interests.
Does it cost any money?
Matrix.org hosts a public free server for anyone to use. You can sign up for a free account and start using Matrix today!
What is Element?
Matrix is an open protocol, meaning many people make clients that speak the same language underneath the hood. Element is the official client produced and maintained by the same people who created Matrix.
Are there other cool things you can do with Matrix?
Yes, Matrix is interoperable which means it’s possible to bridge other platforms to Matrix. Platforms like Beeper are built on top of Matrix puts all your chats in one app.
I have a Matrix account, how do I talk to people?
Matrix addresses look similar to email addresses. The only difference is instead of an @ a : is used instead. A typical matrix address might look like myusername:matrix.org.
Open a client like Element and start a new chat…start with me! @kernellinux:linuxdelta.com
This sounds cool, where do learn more?
If you have questions head over to matrix.org to learn more.