matrix.org

[rom1504]

Did you see https://matrix.org/ ?

[blha303]

Friends isn't a client-server model though.

[HughIsaacs2]

I think it'd be cool if Friends could sync up with a Matrix server to cover the lack of a client-server model (if anyone ever wants one).

I think it would be useful in the case of allowing Matrix rooms to sync up with a Friends Channel giving Matrix its missing offline and P2P chat functionality and Friends its missing client server model.

There's already an IRC bridge for Friends so I don't see why not.

Matrix 3PIDs might also be useful here.

[somebody1234]

@HughIsaacs2 Why would friends need a client-server model? (How would you even switch between the two, and what benefits would it have?)

[HughIsaacs2]

@somebody1234 same reason friends has peerbot and the IRC bridge, to ensure that the discussion persists even if there are no peers currently available.

But this could also have the added effect of providing a way to build ways for users of older or less powerful devices to join in on a conversation.

WebRTC is great, but compared to the old client-server model can be expensive on both power and battery life.

Imagine trying to build a friends client for more lightweight platforms like Pebble watches or flip phones. And though IRC clients exist for those things, I think (correct me if I'm wrong) that Matrix.org's REST HTTP API would be even more lightweight than an IRC client.

I know it might seem silly to support those devices but my interest in this platform is that it's one that'll work even if there's no internet, in case of disaster.

I think a Matrix bridge would help in getting messages from those in a disaster area to people who have working internet without needing to be peer to peer or nearby all of the time (I think friends will need a store and forward mechanism of some sort to make this more reliable though).

Now switching between the two I'm not pro enough to figure that out, but I'm assuming that the IRC bridge has that figured out already.

Honestly I think I might take a jab at building this Matrix.org bridge myself, there has to be some way for me to slap Matrix.org JavaScript library and the friends-irc code together to have a working bridge.

[homebeach]

Here is a corresponding issue in Matrix wishlist: turt2live/matrix-wishlist#319.