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Native Matrix VoIP with Element Call (element.io)

502 points by Sami_Lehtinen · 1655 days ago · 126 comments on HN

Article summary

Element Call is a new web-based conferencing app built on the Matrix protocol, allowing for decentralized voice and video conferencing. The app is currently in beta and can be used with a hosted version or self-hosted with an existing Matrix homeserver. Element Call supports features such as link-based calling, guest-based conferencing, and screensharing, with plans to add end-to-end encryption and support for more than 8 participants. The app is designed to work with any Matrix homeserver, providing complete self-sovereignty for users.

Main themes

  • Decentralized Conferencing
  • Matrix Protocol
  • Self-Sovereignty
  • Voice and Video Rooms
  • Streaming Solutions
  • SFU Setup
  • Deterministic Stream Synchronization
  • Private Homeservers vs Paid Offerings

What commenters say

  • The current implementation of Element Call has limitations, such as not being able to change room addresses and not supporting more than 8 participants, but these are being worked on.
  • Some users are concerned about the potential exclusion of private homeservers in favor of paid offerings, but this is not the intention of the developers.
  • The integration of Element Call into Element will provide a better user experience for voice and video rooms, similar to Discord or Teamspeak.
  • There are different opinions on the usability of the current Jitsi integration in Matrix, with some finding it terrible and others seeing potential for improvement.
  • The use of Matrix for voice and video conferencing could potentially be leveraged to create a Twitch-like streaming solution.
  • Some users are interested in using Element Call as a replacement for Teamspeak or Discord, but are waiting for the full implementation of features like voice and video rooms.
  • There are discussions about the importance of deterministic stream synchronization in distributed SFU setups, with some arguing it is necessary for a good user experience and others seeing it as less critical.
  • The development of Element Call is seen as a step towards a more decentralized and self-sovereign communication platform, with potential for wider adoption and use cases.