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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 moves to a multi-SFU architecture, ending per-call media-server negotiation

video-callingmatrixfederationarchitecturemobile-ux
◆Current state
Element Call, the Matrix-native video calling app, is iterating quickly on RC builds and just made a structural change to how calls route media. The latest RC adopts a multi-SFU approach where each participant connects to the SFU tied to their own homeserver, while recent releases also steadily improve mobile layout, error reporting, and call reliability.
◆Where it's heading
The direction is federation-correct real-time media: rather than negotiating a single shared SFU per call, Element Call leans into Matrix's decentralized model by letting each homeserver own its participants' media and subscribing cross-server as needed. Around that, the team keeps polishing the mobile experience (edge-to-edge, portrait one-on-one layouts, PiP) and hardening LiveKit error handling.
◆Prediction
Expect multi-SFU to graduate from RC to default with legacy single-SFU mode kept as a fallback, followed by continued work on cross-homeserver subscription reliability and mobile polish.

◆Recent moves

  1. 4d ago

    v0.21.0-rc.1

    ⚡ SPARK

    Switches calls to a multi-SFU model: everyone connects to the SFU associated with their own homeserver, eliminating negotiation over a shared SFU, with subscribe-only cross-server streams and a legacy mode fallback. The most directional change in the recent feed.

    View source ↗
  2. 17d ago

    v0.20.2-rc.1

    Adds a matrix_rtc_mode config option, reports LiveKit errors as themselves instead of generic unknowns, and fixes mute syncing and a forced matrix_2_0 mode error. Configurability and error-handling improvements ahead of the multi-SFU shift.

    View source ↗
  3. 1mo ago

    v0.20.1-rc.1

    Mostly bugfixes: correct device-switcher labels, a Promise.withResolvers polyfill for older WebViews, and a duplicate leave-sound fix, plus dev tooling. Routine maintenance.

    View source ↗
  4. 1mo ago

    v0.20.0-rc.1

    Adds a fast call switcher and a proper one-on-one portrait layout, plus delayed-event delegation for legacy JWT requests. UX and layout improvements in the steady mobile-polish track.

    View source ↗
  5. 1mo ago

    v0.19.3-rc1

    Brings edge-to-edge mobile display, a grace period before reporting the sync loop as disconnected, and modal-exit fixes. Reliability and mobile-display refinements.

    View source ↗
  6. 2mo ago

    v0.19.2-rc.1

    Adds intents for group voice calls and reworks button-bar layout to make room for a loudspeaker button. Incremental call-control and layout work.

    View source ↗