Linux Mint 22 will include a Matrix web client preinstalled when released later this year.
The IRC-based desktop chat app Linux Mint has been building, Jargonaut, to replace Hexchat and provide real-time communication for its users, will no longer be included (the status of any future development uncertain).
Why the change?
“Jargonaut […] works well and does exactly what we want. Its implementation was relatively easy and I’d say it’s now 75% complete,” Linux Mint lead Clément Lefèbvre says. But he adds that “feedback about Matrix” led to the team testing it, liking it, and deciding to switch.
As such, Linux Mint’s communication channels are moving to Matrix and the distro will ship with the web-based Element Matrix client instead of its bespoke Jargonaut IRC-based client. The web app will be called ‘Matrix’ in the menus to avoid confusion.
“While being as open as IRC, Matrix provides a user experience which is similar to Slack or Discord to some extent. It’s modern, it’s persistent, and […] it’s actually less confusing to newcomers than an extremely simple application like Jargonaut.”
Linux Mint 22’s “Matrix” web-wrapper app connects directly to the Linux Mint space. Users don’t have to enter any room details etc., though unlike IRC, which can be used anonymously and immediately, using Matrix requires creating an account.
But unlike Discord (the other “why don’t they just use…” suggestion made by users when Mint discussed its post-Hexchat plans) a phone number is not required to create an account.
Not that anyone has to wait for Linux Mint 22 to be released to join in the fun: the Linux Mint space on Matrix is live and can be accessed through existing Matrix clients available on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, or via the web.
Linux Mint 22, the next major update, will be based on top of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and is tentatively scheduled for release in the summer.