This is a major release with some important features.
Privacy by default
There has been an overhaul of default settings to focus on offering an enhanced privacy when running Xeres for the first time. Here are the changes:
- DHT is off
- UPNP is activated for private networks only
- external DNS usage for finding one’s own IP address is off
- LAN Discovery is activated for private networks only
- Link preview is off
- There’s a warning when trying to open an external URL
- There’s a warning when trying to set an empty API remote password
The help system has also been enhanced to carefully explain the features so that informed decisions can be taken to activate them or not. You should consider enabling DHT if you use a highly dynamic environment (frequent traveling, dynamic IP, …)
Encryption at rest
Xeres will now encrypt its database to protect it from other malicious software or if someone gets a hold of your data. Your own profile key is used for that and it is now protected by a password.
We suggest that you choose a strong password (store it in a password manager if you use one). Don’t forget it though, or you cannot recover your profile!
On Windows, it’s possible to remember the database password by using your Windows account’s credentials, if you don’t like entering the password every time you run Xeres.
Reputation support
You can now set a reputation for your contacts. It is automatically shared with your friends. This is useful against spammers or people that you don’t want to see (or that you do want to see). Everything is in your control.
Animated stickers
It’s now possible to express yourself using animated stickers thanks to Lottie4J! The following extensions are supported:
- .json
- .lottie
- .tgs
Just put subdirectories with your stickers in the proper directory. The integrated help system explains how to proceed.
Misc
- The help system has been vastly improved and can be contextualized.
- The JS script system supports timers.
- Redesign of the Dashboard: The Xeres ID is replaced by the username. Click on it to see the ID and QR code.
- The NAT led has been changed to a more generic Link led.
- Backup restoration works for settings up a new location
- Improve image support on low DPI screens
- And many other changes and improvements
Full Changelog: v1.2.2…v1.3.0
