Linux Mint 22 will include a Matrix web client preinstalled when released later this year.
The IRC-based desktop chat app that Linux Mint has been building, named Jargonaut, intended to replace Hexchat and provide real-time communication for its users, will not be included anymore (the status of its future development is uncertain).
What caused the change?
“Jargonaut […] operates effectively and meets our requirements. Its development was relatively straightforward and I’d estimate it’s now at 75% completion,” states Clément Lefèbvre, the lead at Linux Mint explains. However, he mentions that “feedback regarding Matrix” led the team to evaluate it, appreciate it, and eventually decide to make the 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.
However, in contrast to Discord (which is frequently suggested by users as a potential alternative when Mint talks about its post-Hexchat plans), you don’t need to provide a phone number to create an account.
Moreover, it’s not necessary for anyone to wait for the release of Linux Mint 22 to start enjoying the benefits: the Linux Mint space is already up and running on Matrix and can be accessed through existing Matrix clients on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, or on the web.
The next big update, Linux Mint 22, will be built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and is provisionally set to be released this summer.