%Kj+MWgvsMwlGyO5z04hjRuZWhhT0rhzC+PgRJJyqKPA=.sha256I put a short video on Twitter revising all these 3 years of improvement. Check it out!
#manyverse was the first ever SSB app on mobile, an incredible feat considering that it's Node.js on mobile, and that's it's full peer-to-peer on limited devices. The beginning was a real struggle because it barely worked, and was extremely slow.
We've improved a lot over the years, and I have some statistics to share with you. I measured these by installing Manyverse from 3 years ago, running it as my main app, and then comparing it with today's version. Both versions had the same amount of social content.
App startup is 2.5x faster
- 3 years ago it would take 18 seconds
- Today it takes 7 seconds
Initial sync is 13x quicker
- 3 years ago it would take 12 hours
- Today it takes 55 minutes
(I am not satisfied with 55 minutes! Once we have partial replication built into Manyverse, I hope initial sync to drop down to one minute)
Database occupies 2x less space (not including blobs)
- 3 years ago it used 2.0 GB
- Today it uses 950 MB
Not only is the app faster and lighter, it has dozens of more features than before:
- Bluetooth sync
- Room connections
- Attach pictures
- Emoji reactions
- Account backup
- Mentions
- iOS support
- Localization
- Nested threads
- Settings
- Unread markers
- Audio messages
- Private messaging
- Room aliases
- Full-text search
- Friend requests
- Activity tab
- (Lots more)
All this, and I still think the app is in beta. Three years is too much time to be in beta, but I think we're soon out of beta. I think the critical parts to become production ready are: partial replication, desktop support, and guiding users during their first use of the app. That's not a large list. I'll be working full-time on Manyverse starting this month, so the list is going to shrink! :)
I want to thank everyone who helped make all this possible. Bug reports and feedback were super appreciated. Financial support has been vital! Translations have been amazing. Thank you also for the emotional support, the App Store reviews, and advocacy on the internet. Manyverse has some history but its future is what I'm really looking forward to.