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Element is a great chat app for security and privacy experts. End-to-end encryption and decentralized storage set Element apart from other messaging systems. All of your messaging data isn’t in one place controlled by one firm. If you like, you can set up your own server. My Element experience has been impressive. Riot and Vector were the app’s names when I started using it in 2016. It has changed and improved over time. The Element branding appears to be permanent. The software is trying to steal users from Signal and WhatsApp.
In a world where privacy and data protection are crucial, Element is a reliable brand. Whether you’re a privacy champion or someone who values their personal data, Element can keep your discussions private. It stands out in the chat app throng with its end-to-end encryption and decentralized storage.
The ability to host your own server gives you more power than other programs. I’ve used Element for years and can speak to its reliability and security. The switch from Riot and Vector to Element was smooth. This indicates a significant commitment to app development and market longevity. Element is a serious texting app, not just a trend. As someone who has tried many texting applications, I recommend Element. It demonstrate the power of open-source development and community-driven innovation while being secure and privacy-focused. Element is the chat app to use if you want to be unique and private online.
Element Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | All messages, files, and calls are encrypted by default, and only the sender and recipient can read them. |
| Self-hosting | Users can self-host their own Matrix server, giving them full control over their data. |
| Open messaging and collaboration | Element is built on the open Matrix protocol, which allows users to communicate with people on other Matrix servers, regardless of the client they are using. |
| Voice and video calls | Element supports high-quality voice and video calls, with end-to-end encryption. |
| File sharing | Element supports sharing files of all types, with end-to-end encryption. |
| Bots and widgets | Element supports bots and widgets, which can be used to extend the functionality of the app. |
| Custom branding | Self-hosted Element servers can be customized with custom branding. |
| Visit Website |
What is Element?
Matrix is a decentralized and end-to-end encrypted protocol, while Element is a secure communications platform that is built on top of Matrix. Bring together the members of your teams, increase both productivity and workplace satisfaction, and do all of this while maintaining full ownership of your data. According to the Forrester Wave research on secure communications, Element is a market leader. Video conversations and instant messaging are like email for the 21st century; they make it easy to work with your business partners, suppliers, or customers.
You can even connect your accounts with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp. On the other hand, Element has the ability to be locked off for use in high-security environments by utilizing secure border and cross-domain gateways, as well as air-gapped deployments. Due to the decentralized network architecture and the fact that the network is built on Matrix, there is no single point of failure for the network. This makes it an excellent choice for situations that are mission-critical. Please get in touch with us so that we can discuss the ways in which Element can assist your company.
Element review: Interface
To sample Element for free, use the matrix.org public server. Signing up is easy. I like that you may generate a security key to decode your communications if you forget your password. For added protection, verify your email address while signing up. The design isn’t as polished as Microsoft Teams or Facebook Messenger, but it’s well-organized and easy to discover. Whether you wish to attach a file to a message or browse your server’s public rooms, the program is easy to use.
We enjoy that you may make chats low priority, favorites, or regular, and that you can customize notifications to avoid being overloaded. New room occupants can view all past messages or just those sent once they sign in. Element’s interface is simple but appealing on mobile and desktop, and the public matrix server had decent performance. Although the Android app’s search didn’t work, we didn’t find many errors during our testing.
Element review: Features
The makers of Element prioritized security and decentralization: end-to-end encryption ensures that only authorized users can view your messages, and the choice of servers gives you more data flexibility and ownership. It’s like Signal and Slack with more security and privacy. Element runs in a web browser and on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Sign up and choose a server to host your messages: free, host your own, or pay.
There are free trials if you pay. You get public and private rooms, file sharing, customizable notification settings, read receipts, audio and video calling, and more with this messaging app. Even though it lacks consumer-friendly features and polish, it’s a complete product. Element and the Matrix protocol can be used to integrate with Slack, SMS, Signal, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, Skype, Discord, and iMessage, but you’ll need coding skills and a server.
Element review: Security
Without a doubt, Element’s strengths lie in the protection of users’ data and privacy. The end-to-end encryption that is provided by the platform is based on the Olm, Megolm, and Double Ratchet standards. A significant portion of the underlying technology is open source and has been subjected to independent auditing. No one, not even the Element or Matrix staff, will be able to access your data unless you specifically designate them as the recipient(s) of one of your messages.
You are given a secret key when you sign up for Element, and you need this key in order to connect into new devices (in addition to your username and password), so make sure you don’t lose it. The fact that Element uses a two-factor login approach is just another reason why you may put your faith in the company. When you factor in the fact that it is decentralized and hence does not rely on a central authority or point of failure, you have one of the most secure messaging services currently available.
Final Words
Element is an intriguing and engaging encrypted communications platform that has impressed users and corporations. Based on my own experience, it is reliable and has almost all the functions one may want. It has industry-leading security and privacy features and is easy to set up. If you want to escape the tech titans, Element is a tempting option. Individual users may struggle to convince friends and relatives to use this new site.
Element may not be as polished as iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Slack. Additionally, its user base is smaller. This shouldn’t deter individuals who prefer safe and private messaging. In my opinion, Element works best for those prepared to invest time and money to maximize its potential. This includes installing servers and bridges to communicate with other apps and improve functionality. Not just an app, it’s a platform for secure, autonomous communicating for individuals and enterprises.
Element review: The Good and Bad
The Element messenger platform receives excellent marks for its approach to security as well as its commitment to decentralization, and it is without a doubt going to be of interest to enterprises that want control over their own chats, in addition to a large number of individual users.
The Good
- Strong security features
- Open source software
- Plenty of hosting flexibility
The Bad
- Could use some more polish
- Some aspects more technical
- Occasional mobile bug
Questions and Answers
Element is a trustworthy platform for communication and collaboration that gives its users full autonomy while still maintaining a high level of security. It improves efficiency and security across all levels of government, corporations, and their respective partner ecosystems by combining the most beneficial aspects of email, collaborative working, and messaging.
The majority of the platform’s technology is available to the public and has been subjected to third-party validation. The Olm, Megolm, and Double Ratchet standards for end-to-end encryption were utilized in the development of the software. Even the employees working at Element or Matrix won’t be able to view your data unless you specifically designate them as the recipient of one of your communications.