Linux Mint 22 is set to introduce a significant change in its communication platform as it adopts a new chat app alternative. The upcoming release of Linux Mint 22 will see a Matrix web client being preinstalled, replacing the current IRC-based desktop chat app, Jargonaut.

The decision to transition to Matrix comes after the Linux Mint team tested the platform and received positive feedback, leading them to believe that it offers a more modern and user-friendly experience compared to IRC. The move aims to enhance real-time communication capabilities for Linux Mint users.

Clément Lefèbvre, the lead developer of Linux Mint, acknowledged the success of Jargonaut but highlighted the appeal of Matrix in terms of its user experience, which resembles popular platforms like Slack and Discord. The decision to switch to Matrix was driven by the desire to provide a more intuitive and feature-rich communication solution for the Linux Mint community.

Matrix, the new web-based Element Matrix client, will be integrated into Linux Mint 22, offering a seamless communication experience directly within the operating system. Unlike IRC, Matrix requires users to create an account to access the platform, but it does not mandate the use of a phone number, distinguishing it from services like Discord.

Linux Mint users can already engage with the Matrix platform ahead of the official release of Linux Mint 22, as the Linux Mint space on Matrix is currently active and accessible through various Matrix clients on different platforms.

Linux Mint 22, which is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, is expected to be released in the summer, bringing a host of new features and improvements to the popular Linux distribution.