ONYX development update: v1.2a and v1.3-beta

A quick update on what's changed since my last post. Two beta dropped over the past few weeks. I would like to share this here so that I can possibly find my audience.

[1.2a-beta] — 2026-04-07

Added

• Application autostart — the app can now start automatically on system boot, Windows.
• Message animations in external groups and channels — animations were missing in external (self-hosted) instances, now consistent across all chat types

Improved

• Editing and deleting messages in groups and channels — this was broken or limited in non-external groups/channels, now works properly

Fixed

• Favorite icon color display in edit mode
• Voice message duration display in send preview

[1.3-beta] — 2026-04-21

Added

• Message reactions — react to messages
• User blocking — block list and the ability to block individual users
• Hide content in notifications — shows "New message" instead of actual content on the lock screen
• PIN and biometric prompt when switching accounts — multi-account users now need to authenticate when switching, prevents unauthorized access if someone has physical access to the device
• Relog notification — notifies when session token is expiring instead of silently failing
• Video download progress — progress indicator when downloading videos from the server

About the project

ONYX is an open source messenger with E2EE private chats, LAN mode (works without internet via UDP broadcast), and self-hostable groups and channels.

Bugs and issues — reach out to @support directly in ONYX.

Why should I use this instead of Matrix? What is the sales pitch?

Fair question. The honest answer is: it depends on what you need.
Matrix is a protocol with federation, a large ecosystem, and years of development behind it. If you need federation or interoperability with other services, Matrix is the better choice.
ONYX is different in a few ways:

LAN mode — works entirely without internet via UDP broadcast, no server needed

Simpler self-hosting — one binary, runs from the command line, no complicated setup

Native Flutter client — single codebase for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux

The tradeoff is that ONYX is less mature, still in beta, and doesn't have federation yet (it's on the roadmap). If you're already happy with Matrix, there's probably no reason to switch. If you want something lighter and simpler with a focus on privacy and offline capability, it might be worth trying.

Hold up, how do you find each other without a server? You just keep track of everyone's IP addresses?

Just to clarify — LAN mode is an optional feature, not the only way the app works. By default ONYX works like any other messenger through a central server, with E2EE for private chats (unlike Telegram, where only Secret Chats are E2EE).
LAN mode is an additional feature for people on the same local network who want to communicate without any internet or server involved at all — useful for office environments, local events, or situations where internet access isn't available or isn't wanted.
So to answer your question: in normal mode, the server handles routing. In LAN mode, UDP broadcast handles discovery automatically — no manual IP tracking needed.

That's neat! Thanks for taking the time clarifying.