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> It's high time we demand open-source messaging standards across all platforms. What, like this https://github.com/signalapp https://github.com/signalapp? Th
by sbuk 3y ago
> It's high time we demand open-source messaging standards across all platforms.
What, like this https://github.com/signalapp https://github.com/signalapp?
The only thing holding this back are end users. Not corporations or governments. A safe, vetable 'standard' exists, it just needs ratifying by a standards body. It is available cross platform and is free of charge and free-as-in-beer (mostly AGPL I believe).
Messages app exists to send SMS, MMS and soon RCS. Apple developed a convenience feature that allows users to send enhanced messages to other users of the platform. Since the platform is successful and has had compelling and useful features added, it has found popularity in territories that traditionally had free or cheap SMS bundles. The rest of the world didn't have this golden noose and settled on other platforms (WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Telegram, Line, WeChat, Signal, Viber, etc...) across all platforms.
Edited spelling/layout.
- greyface- 3y agoSignal isn't a protocol; it's a centralized service that wants you to use their official client only. The Signal Foundation gets weird and starts making trademark threats whenever someone makes moves towards interoperability (see e.g. https://github.com/LibreSignal/LibreSignal/issues/37#issuecomment-217211165 https://github.com/LibreSignal/LibreSignal/issues/37#issueco...).
- foobiekr 3y agoIt isn't weird, its completely straightforward why this is a problem.
- globular-toast 3y agoNope. You can't blame uses for this. The reason we have governments at all is because individuals all operating independently cannot get out of local optima like this
- sbuk 3y agoI can and I did - installing alternatives is easy, as is using them, as proven by literally the rest of the world oustside of North America. In fact, free and open alternatives exist.
- globular-toast 3y agoThe rest of the world didn't get off iMessage, though. It would be just as hard for them to stop using WhatsApp.
- sbuk 3y agoI failing to understand your point. Use of iMessage in the rest of the world is extremely limited - we're talking figures of about 1% global use.