Forward messages to matrix

[jakenvac]

I appreciate this is not an insignificant amount of work so please feel free to close if it's out of scope or littering the issues.

I think it would be great if watomatic could act as an on device whatsapp to matrix bridge. It has the ability to read and respond to messages so theoretically messages could be forwarded to matrix and the response deferred until the user replies via matrix.

It could be implemented in a similar way to SmsMatrix

I think this supports the ethos of watomatic in a few ways:

• Users that are hesitant to move from whatsapp to matrix can use this app to not feel like they're spreading themselves across two apps.

• Matrix <-> whatsapp bridges are not accessible for the average user so it will encourage more people to try it out and realize the benefits.

• Using the experimental per-contact settings could still support automated replies for people you rarely contact or who refuse to message you via other means, so the original purpose is not lost.

I'm not sure how the broader userbase views watomatic, but to me it's not just a tool to automate replies. It's been pivotal in helping me move to a platform that respects my privacy and freedoms and because of that I get so excited about the possibilities.

For transparency; I have made a larg-ish (to me) donation. I'm not sure if it can be linked back to me, but in no way is it to influence the direction of the project. It is entirely to support the work that has already been done and to support whatever direction the maintainers wish to go.

[adeekshith]

It could be implemented in a similar way to SmsMatrix

I think we should think of a plugin architecture for Watomatic to implement these kinds of features. Each plugin will be a separate app and when installed will communicate with main Watomatic app to do its job. In this case the plugin can be a Matrix client which forwards messages received by Watomatic to Matrix just like SmsMatrix.

Implementing plugin architecture may require more work but these are some of the benefits:

• Main app will remain simple and less bloated. Users who need extra features can install plugin apps
• Third party devs can implement additional functionality without having to reimplement Watomatic

Cannot promise or give a timeline for this but I think it will be a good feature to have. Will add it to the queue.

I have made a larg-ish (to me) donation. I'm not sure if it can be linked back to me

🤗 We cannot trace it exactly to you on Librapay but we did receive a large donation yesterday. You alone helped bump the goal from 2% to 8% 😃. Thanks a lot for your support and kind words! Thats what keeps us going

[jakenvac]

I love that approach, really good idea! I've done done android dev before but it's something I've been meaning to play with so maybe I can help the project in other ways too. I'm glad my donation helped.

P.S. I didn't even realize who you were at the time of the conversation, despite using the app for a while but we had a great chat about vanishing messages on Mastodon the other day (I'm Jaik/twoft) so it's great to meet you!

[adeekshith]

I've done done android dev before but it's something I've been meaning to play with so maybe I can help the project in other ways too

Yes, that'd be awesome 🙌

I'm Jaik/twoft

Oh I didnt realize that either 😄. Very nice meeting you here!
( Context for others: https://mastodon.technology/@dsoft/108029395293274729 )