A new release of the decentralized communication platform Jami is available, distributed under the code name "Maloya". The project is aimed at creating a communication system that works in P2P mode and allows organizing both communication of large groups and making individual calls with a high level of confidentiality and security. Jami, formerly known as Ring and SFLphone, is part of the GNU Projects and distributed under the GPLv3 license. Binary builds are prepared for GNU/Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, SUSE, RHEL, etc.), Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Android TV.
Unlike traditional communication clients, Jami is able to transmit messages without recourse to external servers through the organization of a direct connection between users using end-to-end encryption (End-to-end, keys are present only on the client side) and authentication based on X.509 certificates. In addition to secure messaging, the program allows you to make voice and video calls, create teleconferences, share files, share files and screen content.
Initially, the project developed as a softphone based on the SIP protocol, but has long gone beyond this in favor of the P2P model, while maintaining compatibility with SIP and the ability to make calls using this protocol. The program supports various codecs (G711u, G711a, GSM, Speex, Opus, G.722) and protocols (ICE, SIP, TLS), provides reliable encryption of video, voice and messages. Of the service functions, call forwarding and holding, call recording, call history with search, automatic volume control, integration with GNOME and KDE address books can be noted.
To identify a user, Jami uses a decentralized global account authentication mechanism based on the implementation of an address book in the form of a blockchain (using the developments of the Ethereum project). One user ID (RingID) can be used simultaneously on multiple devices and allows you to contact the user regardless of which device is active, without the need to maintain different IDs on the smartphone and PC. The address book responsible for translation of names in the RingID is stored on a group of nodes supported by different members, including running your own node to maintain a local copy of the global address book (Jami also implements a separate internal address book maintained by the client).
To address users in Jami, the OpenDHT protocol (distributed hash table) is used, which does not require the use of centralized registries with information about users. The basis of Jami is the jami-daemon background process, which is responsible for processing connections, organizing communications, working with video and sound. Interaction with jami-daemon is organized using the LibRingClient library, which serves as the basis for building client software and provides all the typical functionality that is not tied to the user interface and platforms. On top of LibRingClient, client applications are created directly, which makes it quite easy to create and maintain various interfaces.
In the new release:
- A unified client application for GNU/Linux and Windows (and soon macOS) platforms that provides a new and improved Qt-based interface that has been redesigned to make it easier to make individual calls and conferences. Added the ability to change the microphone and output device without interrupting the call. Improved screen sharing tools.
- Improved stability and enhanced features related to conferences and meetings. Implemented support for the appointment of conference moderators, who can determine the video layout of participants on the screen, give the floor to presenters, and interrupt participants if necessary. Judging by the tests carried out, Jami in comfortable mode can be used for conferences with up to 20 participants (in the near future this figure is planned to be increased to 50).
- Announced that the development of a GNU/Linux client with a GTK-based interface (jami-gnome) will soon be discontinued. jami-gnome will still be supported for a while, but will eventually be abandoned in favor of a Qt-based client. When enthusiasts appear who are ready to take the GTK client into their own hands, the project is ready to provide such an opportunity.
- The macOS client now supports plugins.
- Improved performance of the GreenScreen plugin, which uses machine learning methods to hide or replace the background in video calls. The new version adds the ability to blur the background so that others do not see what is happening around the participant.
- A new "Watermark" plugin has been added that allows you to display your logo or any image over the video, as well as embed the date and time.
- Added "AudioFilter" plugin to add reverb effect to the sound.
- The client for iOS has been redesigned, in which the interface has been completely changed and work has been done to reduce power consumption. Improved stability of the client for macOS.
- The JAMS (Jami Account Management Server) account management server has been improved, allowing you to centrally manage the accounts of a local community or organization, while maintaining the distributed nature of the network. JAMS can be used to integrate with LDAP and Active Directory, maintain an address book, and apply specific settings for user groups.
- Full support for the SIP protocol has been returned and the ability to connect to GSM networks and any SIP service providers has been provided.
Source: opennet.ru