Version 2.0 of the decentralized Matrix protocol has been released with major enhancements

The Matrix protocol has reached a major milestone with the release of Matrix 2.0. This update marks a significant evolution of the open, decentralized communication standard, which is used by a wide range of messaging apps, including Element, FluffyChat, and many others. The new version of the protocol includes a number of key changes and improvements.

Key highlights include the introduction of Simplified Sliding Sync, which enhances performance by eliminating the need for a Sliding Sync Proxy. This feature is now natively implemented in Synapse 1.114, offering superior speed compared to the older sync v2 API.

A major update is the Next Generation Auth, initially implemented through the matrix-authentication-service (MAS). This feature simplifies the login process, allowing users to access their accounts by scanning a QR code, bypassing the need to enter server details, usernames, passwords, or recovery keys.

Matrix 2.0 also introduces MatrixRTC, enabling end-to-end-encrypted group voice and video conferencing. Element Call has spearheaded this development, and the feature is now integrated into the release versions of Element Web/Desktop and Element X, providing native MatrixRTC calling capabilities.

Another significant enhancement is Invisible Encryption, designed to make Matrix's end-to-end encryption as seamless as centralized platforms like Signal, WhatsApp, and Messages, without compromising security. This aims to improve the reliability and robustness of Matrix's encryption, making it almost invisible to users under normal circumstances.

Matrix acknowledges ongoing work but emphasizes that these improvements position Matrix 2.0 apps to potentially outperform mainstream alternatives for everyday use.