3 ms·

With the exception of desktop app, I agree :). The desktop app takes several minutes to open (at least on Linux), so I find that the only way to use it is to s

With the exception of desktop app, I agree :). The desktop app takes several minutes to open (at least on Linux), so I find that the only way to use it is to start it at boot and always leave it open. I'm still hoping that someone may create other clients, e.g. a Pidgin backend. The mobile apps, on the other hand, work really well. Been using them for years now, both on Android and iOS.

Hamuko 6y ago
The desktop app situation is pretty similar for all messaging apps. I don't really know any messaging application that has good, native desktop apps. Can't really include iMessage in good faith due to the platform restrictions.
- KitDuncan 6y ago
  Telegram desktop is great and Matrix desktop apps are definitely getting there.
- fauigerzigerk 6y ago
  Skype has always worked for me. Unfortunately it's not secure.
  - Hamuko 6y ago
    I usually hear nothing but complaints about Skype.
lorenzhs 6y ago
When did you last try it? Startup speed of Signal-Desktop has been much improved in recent months, like, by an order of magnitude. Maybe give it another shot.
- fauigerzigerk 6y ago
  It opens pretty quickly for me, but almost every time it wants to be re-linked to a mobile device. Signal is really annoying with all the things it wants me to do. Re-linking a mobile device. Re-entering a PIN/password for no reason other than to prove that I still know the password. And when I'm finally logged in it shows me a completely useless selection of mostly obsolete contacts.
  - lorenzhs 6y ago
    I think you need to open it at least every other month or so, otherwise it loses the pairing. I've never had to relink a desktop instance under any other circumstances. You can turn off the PIN reminders in Settings → Privacy.
    - fauigerzigerk 6y ago
      >You can turn off the PIN reminders in Settings → Privacy. Ah, that's good to know. Thanks!
  - rconti 6y ago
    I feel like I'm constantly re-linking machines. I have 4 computers I use regularly, so it's a hassle. I can't say for sure if it's been a month since I last opened the app-- maybe a week or two, sure.
- jabirali 6y ago
  Interesting, it does indeed start in seconds instead of minutes now. That’s great! I also see that the other issues I noticed previously (high latency when typing, “compose key” not working) have now been fixed as well.
sarakayakomzin 6y ago
>The desktop app takes several minutes to open (at least on Linux), so I find that the only way to use it is to start it at boot and always leave it open. I'm still hoping that someone may create other clients, e.g. a Pidgin backend. how do you want them to solve this? they store encrypted messages and those have to be decrypted on start. the more messages you have the longer it takes to initialize.

Hamuko 6y ago

The desktop app situation is pretty similar for all messaging apps. I don't really know any messaging application that has good, native desktop apps. Can't really include iMessage in good faith due to the platform restrictions.

KitDuncan 6y ago
Telegram desktop is great and Matrix desktop apps are definitely getting there.
fauigerzigerk 6y ago
Skype has always worked for me. Unfortunately it's not secure.
- Hamuko 6y ago
  I usually hear nothing but complaints about Skype.

lorenzhs 6y ago

When did you last try it? Startup speed of Signal-Desktop has been much improved in recent months, like, by an order of magnitude. Maybe give it another shot.

fauigerzigerk 6y ago
It opens pretty quickly for me, but almost every time it wants to be re-linked to a mobile device. Signal is really annoying with all the things it wants me to do. Re-linking a mobile device. Re-entering a PIN/password for no reason other than to prove that I still know the password. And when I'm finally logged in it shows me a completely useless selection of mostly obsolete contacts.
- lorenzhs 6y ago
  I think you need to open it at least every other month or so, otherwise it loses the pairing. I've never had to relink a desktop instance under any other circumstances. You can turn off the PIN reminders in Settings → Privacy.
  - fauigerzigerk 6y ago
    >You can turn off the PIN reminders in Settings → Privacy. Ah, that's good to know. Thanks!
- rconti 6y ago
  I feel like I'm constantly re-linking machines. I have 4 computers I use regularly, so it's a hassle. I can't say for sure if it's been a month since I last opened the app-- maybe a week or two, sure.
jabirali 6y ago
Interesting, it does indeed start in seconds instead of minutes now. That’s great! I also see that the other issues I noticed previously (high latency when typing, “compose key” not working) have now been fixed as well.

sarakayakomzin 6y ago

>The desktop app takes several minutes to open (at least on Linux), so I find that the only way to use it is to start it at boot and always leave it open. I'm still hoping that someone may create other clients, e.g. a Pidgin backend. how do you want them to solve this? they store encrypted messages and those have to be decrypted on start. the more messages you have the longer it takes to initialize.