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Poll: Switching from WhatsApp

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: Poll: Switching from WhatsApp

#93

Post by ssivark »

defanor wrote: post #75

I've never used WhatsApp (and only briefly tried some of the other listed messengers), but switching from one centralised and commercial system, once it runs into issues as many similar systems did before it, to another very similar system, doesn't seem quite wise. Personally I'm using XMPP and IRC for instant messaging, and tend to recommend the former: it's a nice and federated protocol, with users and software, an…

+1, it’s crazy to imagine letting someone control the platform and influence the nature of conversations one can have.

Likewise, never used WhatsApp, and communicate with close friends and family via Signal. Once Matrix matures and robustly supports voice/video and group calls, I’ll look towards using that more actively and nudging folks towards that. For the moment, Jitsi is a good solution when needed.

(I happen to be on Discord too, but that’s mainly due to topical communities rather than social messaging. I would love for those to eventually move to Matrix too.)

Re: Poll: Switching from WhatsApp

#95

Post by defanor »

m_st wrote: post #79
defanor wrote: post #75

I've never used WhatsApp (and only briefly tried some of the other listed messengers), but switching from one centralised and commercial system, once it runs into issues as many similar systems did before it, to another very similar system, doesn't seem quite wise. Personally I'm using XMPP and IRC for instant messaging, and tend to recommend the former: it's a nice and federated protocol, with users and software, an…

Full ack. But then try connecting with your non-tech friends using XMPP or IRC. Won't do.

Non-technical people (friends and family) seem to be fairly comfortable using Conversations on their smartphones, and converse.js seems quite user-friendly in a web browser. But it indeed doesn't always work, and there are people with whom I "only" communicate via phone, email, and in-person.

Re: Poll: Switching from WhatsApp

#97

Post by danlugo92 »

remirk wrote: post #87
hrns wrote: post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Signal requires phone number in order not to store your contact list on their servers. Instead of id's/email addresses/nicknames they are using your phone contact list. IMHO that's better for privacy.

That depends on what you want with privacy. If you'd want to chat anonymously, having to use your real phone number is a bummer. At least in my country, it's getting harder and harder to get a SIM-card that is not tied to your name. The alternative is getting a burner SIM-card. Though, that will become harder once more prepaid providers require your ID.

If you got a friend in Colombia they can hook you up with unlimited SIM cards for like $3 a pop.

Re: Poll: Switching from WhatsApp

#99

Post by CubsFan1060 »

One of the killer features to me is being able to use a client on many varied systems (phone, tablet, computer), which my chat history shared between them. This allows me to very easily get messages anywhere, and pick up the conversation anywhere.

Which of these support that?

Re: Poll: Switching from WhatsApp

#100

Post by m_st »

Apple opening up iMessage, running it cross platform and maybe through some independent company would put an end on this discussion.

There won't be money in it for them. But it would even further improve their privacy-first market(ing) position.

And they would have the leverage to really achieve it.

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