Is Briar a good option for encrypted messaging and file transfer?
After the Matrix file upload limit thing, I’m looking to move away from the messages stored on a server paradigm both to avoid having to pay for file uploads and because it doesn’t make sense to host files on a server indefinitely if they’re only intended for one other person and don’t need to be kept for very long.
If file transfer is an issue with Briar, maybe #Jabber/#XMPP is better suited for our use case?
By default, modern clients use XEP-0363, i.e. file is uploaded to your server (typically encrypted) and download link plus decryption key is sent to the receiver.
However, files can also be transmitted directly using XEP-0234. This works only, if both parties are online at the same time. Clients can fall back to this method, e.g. if files are too large for the server.
For file transfers i have been using magic wormhole
I like the idea of briar, but i havent gotten into using it regularly with anyone yet.
Good for certain scenarios but not for the everyday use, I would love to see that adaptability improved for the “chilling common situations” in the future.
SimpleX is my main atm, it can transfer files effectively.
Just use matrix from somewhere other than matrix.org.
In Briar, it’s only possible to send images - not any other file, as of this writing.
They have a very clear stance on not rushing releases, and focusing on security and stability rather than features, which is laudable, but on the flip side that means one must probably wait for months, if not years, for new features.
Why not just transfer encrypted files through clearnet?
Isnt that how u end up in a fbi list?
Also have a look at Jami. You can use it for calls and sharing files.
Second this.
- message delivery can be iffy
- VoIP works well
- you connect with people like a normal app that isn’t going to scare your family off, not trying to get them to put in GUIDS
- it has all the creature comforts, attached/embedded photos, markup, attached files, attach pictures, share your location for 10 minutes (I’m on my way), history editing, deleting
- it has concurrent multi device support, so you can get messages on your phone, tablet, and desktop at the same time
- There’s a full desktop client (Electron, i think 🤮 but it works)
- the dev team is small and they seem to like to work more on features than user issues. development is slow
- multi-person groups work fine
It’s still the best E2E messaging system I’ve found; the only one my mom, wife, and sisters-in-law reliably use.
I just want them to focus on fixing the sketchy DHT that seems to cause every problem.
