v1.9.0 roadmap: release channels, rollback, profiles, multi-window support, shortcuts, and distribution

[rozsazoltan]

v1.9.0 roadmap

After some time, Messenger Next is receiving functional and behavioral updates again.

An active v1.8.1 pre-release is already available, but many users had to install it manually for beta testing because the updater does not currently support pre-release versions.

This issue summarizes the planned goals for the v1.9.0 release.

Features

• add pre-release update support
• allow switching back to the stable channel by immediately reinstalling the latest stable version
• allow version rollback when problems occur
  • rollback support requires v1.9.0 or later
• add multiple profile support
• add multiple window support
• add keyboard shortcuts:
  • Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P - toggle the left conversation panel
  • Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + M - bring Messenger Next to the foreground and focus the message input
  • Cmd/Ctrl + 1-9 - switch between the first nine chats
  • Ctrl + Tab - switch to the next chat
  • Ctrl + Shift + Tab - switch to the previous chat
  • Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N - open a new chat window
  • Cmd/Ctrl + N - open a new Messenger Next window
  • Cmd/Ctrl + K - search conversations
  • Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + K - search messages in the selected conversation
  • Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I - toggle information for the selected conversation

Extra:

• Cmd/Ctrl + J - list downloaded files using a browser-style keyboard shortcut
• Click downloaded file message to open file
• Ctrl + Click downloaded file message to open containing folder in default file manager and select file

Fixes

• reduce installer size
• remove empty windows after their content is closed
• document existing keyboard shortcuts in README:
  • Cmd/Ctrl + + - zoom in
  • Cmd/Ctrl + - - zoom out
• Resolve Bug: Pressing Enter to confirm IME selection (Chinese input) accidentally sends the message #25

Optional goals

• expand existing release distribution channels
• provide WinGet installation for Windows
• publish Messenger Next in Microsoft Store
• provide Homebrew installation for macOS
• provide APT repository installation for Debian and Ubuntu
• provide DNF and YUM repository installation for Fedora, RHEL, and compatible distributions
• automate package metadata updates for every stable release
• keep GitHub Releases as source for direct installer downloads and Tauri updater artifacts

[rozsazoltan]

I have completed several changes that I plan to release in the upcoming v1.9.0-1 Insider build in the next few days.

• Badge support completed
• Notification support completed
• Option to send anonymous notifications or include sender name and message
• Custom override for muted chats. By default, muted chats remain muted and send no notifications. Per-chat settings can allow badges, notifications, or both. For example, mute settings can apply only on mobile
• CPU and RAM usage remain low, with no unnecessary operations or watchers
• On first launch, app asks user to choose notifications, badge only, or off

[rozsazoltan]

Coming soon.

[rozsazoltan]

[rozsazoltan]

I am adding new documentation for the application. I decided to make the source code for the documentation and landing page public. The next release will automatically merge it into the current repository.

Unfortunately, the application source code will remain closed for now. I have achieved strong CPU and RAM performance, and at this stage the implementation would be too easy to copy.

I want my work to have real value for people who need a clean and distraction-free Facebook Messenger desktop experience in everyday use. I am still considering how the project could transition to open source in the future.

As I have stated before, there are no plans to add payments, advertisements, or telemetry. This will remain a free, unofficial desktop application available to everyone on all major desktop platforms.

[rozsazoltan]

Coming soon.

[rozsazoltan]

Coming soon. Updated README.