matrix Decentralized messenger hosted on TheFloatingLab

Learn more about Matrix on matrix.org

Oh no, yet another messenger? Don't we have enough with WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, etc? Well, the Matrix protocol has a few striking differences compared to the mainstream messengers, which can be particularly interesting to sailors and other digital nomads.

No phone numbers, but addresses

Matrix is not depending on phone numbers, but users get an address, comparable to an email address. This has a few advantages:

• You don't need your phone to open and/or maintain an account.
• It has no consequences if you change your phone number, lose your phone, etc.

Decentralized

Unlike the mainstream messengers which all depend on one big central server, Matrix runs on a network of independent servers. You can perfectly compare it with e-mail: For e-mail there also doesn't exist one big central server, but everyone can setup an independent e-mail server, like gMail, hotmail, etc. You are not limited to just one provider. Also, because it is decentralized, nobody "owns" the network, and the network can not be sold or taken over. nor can governments interfere with it (like with client side scanning).

Open protocol, open source

Everyone can write an app for Matrix. You are not limited to just one app or client program, but there is quite a big selection. Again, just like you are used to with e-mail, where you can choose between outlook, thunderbird, etc. Also, it is easy to write bots for it. We even host a ChatGPT bot which you can invite into your Matrix room as a discussion partner!

Sub threading

In larger groups, there are often lengthy topics that are not of everyone's interest. In Matrix you can open them as a separate thread.

Cross platform

Matrix can interface with almost all other messengers, like Whatsapp, Telegram, Signal, etc.

More features

In the mainstream messengers, potential features are not judged by their usefulness to the user, but to their profitability to the owners. In Matrix, there is no such filter. You will find many options that you can't live without anymore once you are used to it, like the ability to correct typo's after you sent the message.

Matrix account

Anyone can open a free matrix account. Just like with e-mail, there are multiple providers, and you need a web interface or client program or app to start using your account.

On TheFloatingLab, we host host a matrix instance:

Element

Just like with e-mail, to start using it, you will need an e-mail client program or app. Element is a messenger app that uses the matrix protocol. There is a mobile Element app, there are desktop versions, and there is a web client.

On TheFloatingLab we host an Element web client. You can use the web client to register or log in to your matrix account.

TheFloatingLab support & discussion room

If you have a matrix account, you can join our TheFloatingLab support & discussion room: