Mucking about with dozens of extensions instead of users just installing an app seems pretty old skool, lol, brings me back to bbs life.

A discord replacement needs to have notifications, respond to calls, as well as share multiple screens.

It also needs to have enough upfront simplicity so that it garners adequate critical mass for network effects. This means a set and forget unified interface and standardized features.

So, Onomatopoeia there is wondering why xmpp isn’t standard, and I’m getting the sense that it is targeted at oldskool usage.

Discord is popular because it’s easy to start using, it has collaboration features like group screensharing, and it doesn’t assume an ubernerd is the target audience.

Maybe we’ll get a more unified, feature rich xmpp implementation, but until then, sounds like matrix/element is closer, despite its warts.

Neither of those client promo pages mention group calling. le sigh

Does it do screen sharing, group calls, etc.?

I’m using etke.cc in Germany. It’s a relatively easy setup and the hosting is matrix dedicated. Payment is a bit odd through ko-fi but otherwise it has been solid. They don’t have element calling fully enabled, it’s a bit conservative. Admin is easy and staff are responsive.