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Element Call

MEETINGS
Velocity6.3

Open-source end-to-end encrypted group video calling built on Matrix

element.io/call ↗

Element Call goes multi-SFU by default, betting federated calls scale better without central negotiation.

matrixvideo-callingmulti-sfufederationmobile-uxself-hosting
◆Current state
Element Call is a Matrix-native video and voice app shipping fast release candidates, embeddable as a widget across web, Android, and iOS. Recent work centers on federated call architecture (multi-SFU) plus a steady stream of mobile UX polish and a migration onto the Compound design system.
◆Where it's heading
The defining move is architectural: defaulting to multi-SFU so each homeserver owns its own media path, hardening Element Call for federated and self-hosted deployments. Around that, the team is grinding mobile call ergonomics, edge-to-edge layouts, portrait one-on-one, PiP, gradient theming, while retiring the old design system.
◆Prediction
Expect the multi-SFU default to graduate from RC to stable and continued mobile-first UX refinement; the growing set of config options (matrix_rtc_mode, background) points to more deployment-tuning knobs for embedders next.

◆Recent moves

  1. 5d ago

    Gradient background by default; mobile call UI polish

    Gradient backgrounds by default and a batch of mobile call-UI improvements continue the design-system migration and mobile-polish arc; the breaking change is cosmetic, affecting call appearance.

    View source ↗
  2. 19d ago

    Multi-SFU calling becomes the default

    ⚡ SPARK

    Making multi-SFU the default is the release's center of gravity: it moves Element Call to per-homeserver media routing, the architectural bet underpinning its federated-calling story.

    View source ↗
  3. 1mo ago

    matrix_rtc_mode config option and clearer error reporting

    A matrix_rtc_mode config option and clearer LiveKit error reporting add deployment control and observability, incremental groundwork beneath the call stack.

    View source ↗
  4. 1mo ago

    Bugfixes: device switcher labels, older-WebView polyfill

    A maintenance release: device-switcher label fixes, a polyfill for older WebViews, and a leave-sound bugfix, with no user-facing new capability.

    View source ↗
  5. 1mo ago

    Fast switcher and portrait one-on-one call layout

    A fast switcher, a proper portrait one-on-one layout, and delayed-event delegation for legacy JWT extend both UX and interop, fitting the mobile-and-embedding focus.

    View source ↗
  6. 2mo ago

    Edge-to-edge mobile display and sync-error grace period

    Edge-to-edge mobile display and a grace period before flagging sync disconnects sharpen the mobile call experience and connection resilience.

    View source ↗