blog: v5.1 release announcement (#2492)

* blog: v5.1 release announcement

* update post

* readme

* typo

* update text

* add images

* corrections

* corrections, readme

* linebreaks

* separators

README.md

@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@ Languages in progress: Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and [others](https:/
 
 We would love to have you join the development! You can help us with:
 
+- [share the color theme](./docs/THEMES.md) you use in Android app!
 - writing a tutorial or recipes about hosting servers, chat bot automations, etc.
 - contributing to SimpleX Chat knowledge-base.
 - developing features - please connect to us via chat so we can help you get started.
@@ -197,6 +198,8 @@ You can use SimpleX with your own servers and still communicate with people usin
 
 Recent updates:
 
+[May 23, 2023. SimpleX Chat: v5.1 released with message reactions and self-destruct passcode](./blog/20230523-simplex-chat-v5-1-message-reactions-self-destruct-passcode.md).
+
 [Apr 22, 2023. SimpleX Chat: vision and funding, v5.0 released with videos and files up to 1gb](./blog/20230422-simplex-chat-vision-funding-v5-videos-files-passcode.md).
 
 [Mar 28, 2023. v4.6 released - with Android 8+ and ARMv7a support, hidden profiles, community moderation, improved audio/video calls and reduced battery usage](./blog/20230328-simplex-chat-v4-6-hidden-profiles.md).
@@ -316,25 +319,27 @@ If you are considering developing with SimpleX platform please get in touch for
 - ✅ Sending and receiving large files via [XFTP protocol](./blog/20230301-simplex-file-transfer-protocol.md).
 - ✅ Video messages.
 - ✅ App access passcode.
-- 🏗 Improved Android app UI design.
-- 🏗 SMP queue redundancy and rotation (manual is supported).
-- 🏗 Reduced battery and traffic usage in large groups.
+- ✅ Improved Android app UI design.
+- ✅ Optional alternative access password.
+- ✅ Message reactions
+- ✅ Message editing history
+- ✅ Reduced battery and traffic usage in large groups.
+- 🏗 Desktop client.
+- 🏗 Message delivery confirmation (with sender opt-in or opt-out per contact, TBC).
+- SMP queue redundancy and rotation (manual is supported).
 - Include optional message into connection request sent via contact address.
-- Ephemeral/disappearing/OTR conversations with the existing contacts.
-- Optional alternative access password.
 - Local app files encryption.
 - Improved navigation and search in the conversation (expand and scroll to quoted message, scroll to search results, etc.).
-- Message delivery confirmation (with sender opt-in or opt-out per contact, TBC).
-- Privately share your location.
+- Large groups, communities and public channels.
 - Feeds/broadcasts.
+- Ephemeral/disappearing/OTR conversations with the existing contacts.
+- Privately share your location.
 - Web widgets for custom interactivity in the chats.
 - Programmable chat automations / rules (automatic replies/forward/deletion/sending, reminders, etc.).
 - Supporting the same profile on multiple devices.
-- Desktop client.
 - Privacy-preserving identity server for optional DNS-based contact/group addresses to simplify connection and discovery, but not used to deliver messages:
   - keep all your contacts and groups even if you lose the domain.
   - the server doesn't have information about your contacts and groups.
-- Hosting server for large groups, communities and public channels.
 - Message delivery relay for senders (to conceal IP address from the recipients' servers and to reduce the traffic).
 - High capacity multi-node SMP relays.
 

blog/20230523-simplex-chat-v5-1-message-reactions-self-destruct-passcode.md

@@ -1,13 +1,127 @@
 ---
 layout: layouts/article.html
-title: "SimpleX Chat: v5.1 released with message reactions and self-destruct passcode"
+title: "SimpleX Chat v5.1 released: message reactions and self-destruct passcode"
 date: 2023-05-23
-# image: images/20230422-video.png
-# imageBottom: true
-# previewBody: blog_previews/20230422.html
+image: images/20230523-reactions.png
+imageBottom: true
+previewBody: blog_previews/20230523.html
 permalink: "/blog/20230523-simplex-chat-v5-1-message-reactions-self-destruct-passcode.html"
 ---
 
-# SimpleX Chat: v5.1 released with message reactions and self-destruct passcode
+# SimpleX Chat v5.1 released: message reactions and self-destruct passcode
 
-This is a placeholder for the release announcement.
+**Published:** May 23, 2023
+
+What's new in v5.1:
+
+- [message reactions](#message-reactions) 🚀
+- [improved messages](#improved-messages):
+  - [voice messages up to 5 minutes](#voice-messages-up-to-5-minutes-better-quality-playback-control).
+  - [custom time to disappear](#disappearing-messages-choose-any-time).
+  - [message editing history](#message-editing-history).
+- new design and [customizable themes](#customize-and-share-color-themes) that you can share!<sup>*</sup>
+- [self-destruct passcode](#self-destruct-passcode)
+
+There are lots of small improvements and fixes in this release:
+  - setting to disable audio/video calls per contact.
+  - group welcome message visible in a group profile - add the link to join the group there.
+  - fixes for sending files.
+  - configurable SOCKS proxy host and port<sup>*</sup>.
+  - improved calls on lock screen<sup>*</sup>.
+  - locale-dependent formatting of time and date<sup>*</sup>.
+
+Also, we added Japanese and Portuguese (Brazil)<sup>*</sup> interface languages, thanks to [our users and Weblate](https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat#help-translating-simplex-chat).
+
+\* These features are available in the Android version only.
+
+## Message reactions
+
+<img src="./images/20230523-reactions.png" width="288">
+
+No idea why it took us so long to add them – finally we have them, and they are great.
+
+We didn't like the view of other messengers plagued by 40 different reactions on a message, and we were not quite sure what can be done about it, so we initially decided to limit available reactions to just 6: thumbs up 👍, down 👎, smile 😀, tear 😢, heart ❤️ and rocket 🚀. But unlike some other messengers, we don't limit the reactions to just one per message - you can put up to 3.
+
+You can add them via the menu, or just by tapping the reaction already on the message.
+
+The next app version will allow prohibiting the reactions per conversation, as you asked. Some groups work better with more substantive responses.
+
+## Improved messages
+
+### Voice messages: up to 5 minutes, better quality, playback control
+
+<img src="./images/20230523-voice.png" width="288">
+
+Since [v4.3](./20221206-simplex-chat-v4.3-voice-messages.md#instant-voice-messages) voice messages were sent in small 16kb chunks, so we had to limit them to 30-40 seconds for better user experience, as sending larger files would require the sender to be online.
+
+With the new XFTP protocol that allows sending files up to 1gb it is now possible to increase the message size - we decided to limit it at 5 min, increasing their quality 2x (the bitrate is increased from 16 to 32kbps). We also added a slider to control the playback.
+
+### Disappearing messages: choose any time!
+
+<img src="./images/20230523-disappearing1.png" width="288"> &nbsp;&nbsp; <img src="./images/20230523-disappearing2.png" width="288">
+
+Since [v4.4](./20230103-simplex-chat-v4.4-disappearing-messages.md#disappearing-messages) disappearing messages were only configurable for the whole conversation, with a limited choice of allowed times between 30 seconds and 1 month.
+
+This version allows to configure the time for messages to disappear more granularly, in the range from 1 second to 3 months. You can also set a different time to disappear when you send the message (hold the Send button), as long as disappearing messages are enabled in the conversation.
+
+### Message editing history
+
+<img src="./images/20230523-info.png" width="288">
+
+I [wrote previously](./20221206-simplex-chat-v4.3-voice-messages.md#irreversible-message-deletion) why we decided to require the recipient concent before the messages can be fully deleted by the sender - in short, it is to support recipient's data sovereignty and prevent the possibility of offensive messages being removed without any trace. By default, when the sender deletes the message it is marked as deleted, rather than fully deleted, and you can reveal the original message.
+
+You've found the workaround for it of course - it's enough to simply edit the message to hide the original content. This version adds a visible message editing history, together with other detailed information about when the message was sent, received or deleted, that wasn't visible in the conversation.
+
+## Customize and share color themes
+
+<img src="./images/20230523-theme.png" width="288">
+
+Android app now allows choosing between three color themes - Light, Dark and SimpleX (a dark blue theme). You can customize any theme by setting 9 different colors used in the app, including titles, menus, accent colors and colors for sent and received messages.
+
+You can share your theme with other users by exporting it to a file and sending to them. You can also [contribute your favorite themes](../docs/THEMES.md) to our GitHub repository.
+
+## Self-destruct passcode
+
+<img src="./images/20230523-self-destruct.png" width="288">
+
+This is something many of you asked before - when asked to enter the app passcode under duress, to be able to enter a special self-destruct code that would remove the app data. This feature is offered in many security tools, and now you can configure it in SimpleX Chat as well.
+
+To enable it:
+- go to app Settings > Privacy & security > SimpleX Lock.
+- switch lock mode to Passcode and, if necessary, enable lock – Self-destruct passcode will become available.
+- enable it, enter the main passcode and then enter and confirm self-destruct passcode.
+- optionally, you can set the new display name of the profile that will be created after the data was wiped. If it is left blank, a new empty profile will have a random name.
+
+## SimpleX platform
+
+Some links to answer the most common questions:
+
+[SimpleX Chat security assessment](./20221108-simplex-chat-v4.2-security-audit-new-website.md).
+
+[How can SimpleX deliver messages without user identifiers](https://simplex.chat/#how-simplex-works).
+
+[What are the risks to have identifiers assigned to the users](https://simplex.chat/#why-ids-bad-for-privacy).
+
+[Technical details and limitations](https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat#privacy-technical-details-and-limitations).
+
+[How SimpleX is different from Session, Matrix, Signal, etc.](https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat/blob/stable/README.md#frequently-asked-questions).
+
+Visit our [website](https://simplex.chat) to learn more.
+
+## Help us with donations
+
+Huge thank you to everybody who donated to SimpleX Chat!
+
+We are prioritizing users privacy and security - it would be impossible without your support.
+
+Our pledge to our users is that SimpleX protocols are and will remain open, and in public domain, - so anybody can build the future implementations of the clients and the servers. We are building SimpleX platform based on the same principles as email and web, but much more private and secure.
+
+Your donations help us raise more funds – any amount, even the price of the cup of coffee, makes a big difference for us.
+
+See [this section](https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat/tree/master#help-us-with-donations) for the ways to donate.
+
+Thank you,
+
+Evgeny
+
+SimpleX Chat founder

blog/README.md

@@ -1,5 +1,22 @@
 # Blog
 
+May 23, 2023 [SimpleX Chat v5.1 released](./20230523-simplex-chat-v5-1-message-reactions-self-destruct-passcode.md)
+
+What's new in v5.1:
+- message reactions 🚀
+- improved messages:
+  - voice messages up to 5 minutes.
+  - custom time to disappear.
+  - message editing history.
+- new design and customizable themes that you can share!<sup>*</sup>
+- self-destruct passcode
+
+Also, we added Japanese and Portuguese (Brazil)<sup>*</sup> interface languages, thanks to our users and Weblate.
+
+\* These features are available in the Android version only.language interface, thanks to our users and Weblate!
+
+---
+
 Apr 22, 2023 [SimpleX Chat: vision and funding, v5.0 released](./20230422-simplex-chat-vision-funding-v5-videos-files-passcode.md)
 
 SimpleX Chat vision and funding:
@@ -14,6 +31,8 @@ What's new in v5.0:
 
 Also, we added Polish language interface, thanks to our users and Weblate!
 
+---
+
 Mar 28, 2023 [SimpleX Chat v4.6 released](./20230328-simplex-chat-v4-6-hidden-profiles.md)
 
 - ARMv7a and Android 8+ support!
@@ -26,10 +45,14 @@ Mar 28, 2023 [SimpleX Chat v4.6 released](./20230328-simplex-chat-v4-6-hidden-pr
 
 Also, we added Chinese and Spanish language interface, thanks to our users and Weblate!
 
+---
+
 Mar 1, 2023 [SimpleX File Transfer Protocol](./20230301-simplex-file-transfer-protocol.md)
 
 A new protocol for sending large files efficiently, privately and securely. It will be soon integrated into SimpleX Chat apps.
 
+---
+
 Feb 4, 2023 [SimpleX Chat v4.5 released](./20230204-simplex-chat-v4-5-user-chat-profiles.md)
 
 - multiple chat profiles.
@@ -40,6 +63,8 @@ Feb 4, 2023 [SimpleX Chat v4.5 released](./20230204-simplex-chat-v4-5-user-chat-
 
 Also, we added Italian language interface, thanks to our users and Weblate!
 
+---
+
 Jan 3, 2023 [SimpleX Chat v4.4 released](./20230103-simplex-chat-v4.4-disappearing-messages.md)
 
 - disappearing messages.
@@ -49,6 +74,8 @@ Jan 3, 2023 [SimpleX Chat v4.4 released](./20230103-simplex-chat-v4.4-disappeari
 
 Also, we added French language interface, thanks to our users and Weblate!
 
+---
+
 Dec 6, 2022 [SimpleX Chat reviews and v4.3 released](./20221206-simplex-chat-v4.3-voice-messages.md)
 
 November reviews:
@@ -58,6 +85,8 @@ November reviews:
 - [The messenger matrix](https://www.messenger-matrix.de).
 - [Supernova review](https://supernova.tilde.team/detailed_reviews.html#simplex) and [messenger ratings](https://supernova.tilde.team/messengers.html).
 
+---
+
 v4.3 is released:
 
 - instant voice messages!
@@ -73,6 +102,8 @@ SimpleX Chat has now been audited by [Trail of Bits](https://www.trailofbits.com
 
 The new website is live: https://simplex.chat
 
+---
+
 v4.2 is released:
 
 - group links - group admins can create the links for new members to join
@@ -81,6 +112,8 @@ v4.2 is released:
 - manually switch contact or member to another address / server (BETA)
 - receive files faster (BETA)
 
+---
+
 Sep 28, 2022 [v4: local database encryption](./20220928-simplex-chat-v4-encrypted-database.md)
 
 - encrypted local chat database - if you already use the app, you can encrypt the database in the app settings
@@ -91,6 +124,8 @@ Sep 28, 2022 [v4: local database encryption](./20220928-simplex-chat-v4-encrypte
 - support animated images in Android app
 - German language in mobile apps UI
 
+---
+
 Sep 1, 2022 [v3.2: Incognito mode](./20220901-simplex-chat-v3.2-incognito-mode.md)
 
 - Incognito mode - use a new random profile name for each contact
@@ -101,6 +136,8 @@ Sep 1, 2022 [v3.2: Incognito mode](./20220901-simplex-chat-v3.2-incognito-mode.m
 
 Implementation audit is arranged for October!
 
+---
+
 Aug 8, 2022 [v3.1: chat groups](./20220808-simplex-chat-v3.1-chat-groups.md)
 
 - finally, secret chat groups - nobody but members know they exist!
@@ -109,6 +146,8 @@ Aug 8, 2022 [v3.1: chat groups](./20220808-simplex-chat-v3.1-chat-groups.md)
 - published chat protocol
 - new app icons
 
+---
+
 Jul 23, 2022 [v3.1-beta: access servers via Tor](./20220723-simplex-chat-v3.1-tor-groups-efficiency.md)
 
 - terminal app: access to messaging servers via SOCKS5 proxy (e.g., Tor).
@@ -116,30 +155,54 @@ Jul 23, 2022 [v3.1-beta: access servers via Tor](./20220723-simplex-chat-v3.1-to
 - optimized battery and traffic usage - up to 90x reduction!
 - two docker configurations for self-hosted SMP servers.
 
+---
+
 Jul 11, 2022 [v3: instant push notifications for iOS and audio/video calls](./20220711-simplex-chat-v3-released-ios-notifications-audio-video-calls-database-export-import-protocol-improvements.md):
 
 - chat database export and import
 - end-to-end encrypted audio/video calls
 - protocol privacy and performance improvements
 
+---
+
 Jun 4, 2022 [v2.2: the new Privacy and Security settings](./20220604-simplex-chat-new-privacy-security-settings.md)
 
+---
+
 May 24, 2022 [v2.1: clearing messages for better conversation privacy](./20220524-simplex-chat-better-privacy.md)
 
+---
+
 May 11, 2022 [v2.0 released - sending images and files in mobile apps](./20220511-simplex-chat-v2-images-files.md)
 
+---
+
 Apr 04, 2022 [Instant notifications for SimpleX Chat mobile apps](./20220404-simplex-chat-instant-notifications.md)
 
+---
+
 Mar 08, 2022 [Mobile apps for iOS and Android released!](./20220308-simplex-chat-mobile-apps.md)
 
+---
+
 Feb 14, 2022. [SimpleX Chat: join our public beta for iOS!](./20220214-simplex-chat-ios-public-beta.md)
 
+---
+
 Jan 12, 2022. [SimpleX Chat v1 released: the most private and secure chat and application platform](./20220112-simplex-chat-v1-released.md)
 
+---
+
 Dec 08, 2021. [SimpleX Chat v0.5 released: the first chat platform that is 100% private by design - no access to your connections graph](./20211208-simplex-chat-v0.5-released.md)
 
+---
+
 Sep 14, 2021. [SimpleX Chat v0.4 released: open-source chat that uses privacy-preserving message routing protocol](./20210914-simplex-chat-v0.4-released.md)
 
+---
+
 May 12, 2021. [SimpleX Chat Prototype!](./20210512-simplex-chat-terminal-ui.md)
 
+---
+
 Oct 22, 2020. [SimpleX Chat](./20201022-simplex-chat.md)

website/src/_includes/blog_previews/20230328.html

@@ -9,4 +9,4 @@
     <li>SMP server monitoring: status bot and page</li>
 </ul>
 
-<p>Also, the app interface is now available in Chinese and Spanish - thanks our users!</p>
+<p>Also, the app interface is now available in Chinese and Spanish - thanks to our users!</p>

website/src/_includes/blog_previews/20230422.html

@@ -14,6 +14,6 @@
     <li>networking improvements</li>
 </ul>
 
-<p>Also, the app interface is now available in Polish - thanks our users.</p>
+<p>Also, the app interface is now available in Polish - thanks to our users.</p>
 
 <p>SimpleX Chat apps are now available in 10 languages!</p>

website/src/_includes/blog_previews/20230523.html

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+<p>v5.1 is released:</p>
+
+<ul class="mb-[12px]">
+    <li>message reactions 🚀</li>
+    <li><p>improved messages:</p>
+        <ul>
+            <li>voice messages up to 5 minutes</li>
+            <li>custom time to disappear</li>
+            <li>message editing history</li>
+        </ul>
+    </li>
+    <li>new design and customizable themes you can share*!</li>
+    <li>self-destruct passcode</li>
+</ul>
+
+<p>Also, the app interface is now available in Japanese and Portuguese (Brazil)* - thanks to our users!</p>
+
+<p>* Android app only.</p>