# AeThex Connect – Progress & Next Steps

## Current Progress

### 1. UI & Frontend
- Modern, branded landing and login pages (Astro + React + Tailwind)
- Glassy, Discord-style chat/voice UI with channel, member, and chat areas
- Demo login and account linking UI (AeThex + Matrix, now being phased out)
- WebRTC integration for voice (UI and hooks scaffolded)

### 2. Matrix Integration (Deprecated)
- MatrixProvider and context for chat/voice (now being removed due to auth/friction)
- Demo login attempted with Matrix test accounts (blocked by Matrix.org restrictions)
- Error handling and feedback for Matrix login failures

### 3. Architecture Decisions
- Decided to move away from Matrix for chat/auth due to complexity and lack of control
- Plan to use AeThex-native authentication and backend for chat/voice
- WebRTC will be used for voice, with custom signaling

## Next Steps

### 1. Backend
- Scaffold a Node.js (or similar) backend for:
  - AeThex account authentication (JWT/session)
  - Real-time chat (Socket.io or websockets)
  - WebRTC signaling for voice
- Add basic chat channels, DMs, and presence

### 2. Frontend
- Remove Matrix login and context from UI
- Connect chat/voice UI to new backend (Socket.io/websockets for chat, WebRTC for voice)
- Use AeThex login for all authentication
- Add error handling, loading states, and user feedback

### 3. Features & Polish
- Add moderation tools, premium features, and integrations as needed
- Polish UI/UX for onboarding, chat, and voice
- Prepare for MVP launch and user testing

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**Summary:**
- UI and core experience are in place
- Matrix is being replaced with a custom AeThex-native backend
- Next: Build backend, connect frontend, and iterate on features

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*This README reflects the current state and roadmap for AeThex Connect as of January 2026.*
