[syene]

> … getting users hooked on to the extra features and switching to some propreitary backend …

If they do, they’ll have to bridge it to Matrix. The entire point of a Matrix messenger is being able to message Matrix; no matter how slick the GIFs or the local AI-models are—people won’t use a Matrix messenger that can’t message Matrix.

[sundarurfriend]

They will if there are sufficient users that communicate only within the app - it's basic Embrace Extend Extinguish. Introduce new features that don't work as well on other Matrix apps, "encourage" users to convince others to switch to this app (Apple has proven that all it takes sometimes is a different colour!), and relegate the Matrix connection to a low priority non-default option over time.