Ltt.rs - JMAP Email client
by Daniel Gultsch
Google Play
COMMUNICATION
Free
4.0
Rating
53
Reviews
1K+
Downloads
1
Views
Description
Ltt.rs (pronounced Letters) is a proof of concept email (JMAP) client currently in development. It makes heavy use of Android Jetpack for a more maintainable code base than some of the preexisting Android email clients.
To use Lttrs you need a JMAP (JSON Meta Application Protocol) capable mail server!
Features & Design considerations:
· Heavily cached but not fully offline capable. Ltt.rs makes use of JMAP’s great caching capabilities. However actions, such as marking a thread as read, need a round-trip to the server until their consequences like unread count are updated. Ltt.rs will ensure that the action itself won’t get lost even if performed while momentarily offline.
· No settings aside from account setup. Settings invite feature creep and make the app hard to maintain. Ltt.rs aims to support one specific work flow. Users who desire a different work flow may find K-9 Mail or FairEmail more suitable.
· Minimal external dependencies. Third party libraries are often of poor quality and end up being unmaintained. Therfore we will only rely on well known, well tested libraries from reputable vendors.
· Autocrypt as a first class feature¹. With its strict UX guidelines autocrypt fits right into Ltt.rs.
· Ltt.rs is based on jmap-mua, a headless email client, or a library that handles everything an email client would aside from data storage and UI. There is also lttrs-cli which uses the same library.
· When in doubt: Look at Gmail for inspiration.
¹: Planned feature
Ltt.rs is licensed under the Apache License 2.0. The source code is available on Codeberg: https://codeberg.org/iNPUTmice/lttrs-android
To use Lttrs you need a JMAP (JSON Meta Application Protocol) capable mail server!
Features & Design considerations:
· Heavily cached but not fully offline capable. Ltt.rs makes use of JMAP’s great caching capabilities. However actions, such as marking a thread as read, need a round-trip to the server until their consequences like unread count are updated. Ltt.rs will ensure that the action itself won’t get lost even if performed while momentarily offline.
· No settings aside from account setup. Settings invite feature creep and make the app hard to maintain. Ltt.rs aims to support one specific work flow. Users who desire a different work flow may find K-9 Mail or FairEmail more suitable.
· Minimal external dependencies. Third party libraries are often of poor quality and end up being unmaintained. Therfore we will only rely on well known, well tested libraries from reputable vendors.
· Autocrypt as a first class feature¹. With its strict UX guidelines autocrypt fits right into Ltt.rs.
· Ltt.rs is based on jmap-mua, a headless email client, or a library that handles everything an email client would aside from data storage and UI. There is also lttrs-cli which uses the same library.
· When in doubt: Look at Gmail for inspiration.
¹: Planned feature
Ltt.rs is licensed under the Apache License 2.0. The source code is available on Codeberg: https://codeberg.org/iNPUTmice/lttrs-android
Expert Review & Analysis
Ltt.rs presents itself as a streamlined, modern email client focused on utilizing the JMAP (JSON Meta Application Protocol) standard. Its primary function is to provide users with a means to send and receive emails via JMAP-compatible mail servers. Unlike traditional email clients, Ltt.rs aims for simplicity and maintainability, prioritizing a specific workflow over extensive customization options.
Several key features stand out. The app leverages JMAP's caching capabilities, promising a responsive user experience even with limited connectivity. While not fully offline capable, it ensures that actions performed offline are eventually synchronized with the server. The commitment to minimal external dependencies is another significant strength. By relying on well-tested libraries from reputable vendors, Ltt.rs aims to avoid the pitfalls of unmaintained or poorly coded third-party components, contributing to long-term stability and security. The planned integration of Autocrypt as a first-class feature is also noteworthy, signaling a commitment to secure and user-friendly email encryption. Finally, the use of `jmap-mua`, a headless email client library, allows for code reuse and potentially easier development of other JMAP-based applications.
Ltt.rs is particularly useful for users who value a clean, focused email experience and are comfortable with a specific workflow. It's ideal for individuals or organizations that already utilize JMAP-capable mail servers and appreciate the performance benefits and modern architecture that JMAP offers. The emphasis on security, with the planned Autocrypt integration, makes it a good choice for users concerned about email privacy.
However, the app's limited settings and specific workflow may not appeal to everyone. Users who prefer highly customizable email clients with extensive settings options might find Ltt.rs too restrictive. Those requiring full offline functionality may also need to look elsewhere.
The target audience for Ltt.rs is relatively niche. It's geared towards technically-minded individuals and organizations already invested in the JMAP ecosystem and who are seeking a lightweight, secure, and maintainable email client. It is not designed for the average user who expects a traditional email experience with a plethora of configuration options.
Overall, Ltt.rs is a promising project that prioritizes simplicity, maintainability, and security within the JMAP framework. While its limited customization and lack of full offline support might not suit all users, its focus on a streamlined workflow and modern architecture make it a compelling option for those invested in the JMAP ecosystem. The 4/5 rating seems appropriate, reflecting its potential and current limitations as a "proof of concept" still under development. The open-source nature of the project also fosters community involvement and potential for future improvements.
Several key features stand out. The app leverages JMAP's caching capabilities, promising a responsive user experience even with limited connectivity. While not fully offline capable, it ensures that actions performed offline are eventually synchronized with the server. The commitment to minimal external dependencies is another significant strength. By relying on well-tested libraries from reputable vendors, Ltt.rs aims to avoid the pitfalls of unmaintained or poorly coded third-party components, contributing to long-term stability and security. The planned integration of Autocrypt as a first-class feature is also noteworthy, signaling a commitment to secure and user-friendly email encryption. Finally, the use of `jmap-mua`, a headless email client library, allows for code reuse and potentially easier development of other JMAP-based applications.
Ltt.rs is particularly useful for users who value a clean, focused email experience and are comfortable with a specific workflow. It's ideal for individuals or organizations that already utilize JMAP-capable mail servers and appreciate the performance benefits and modern architecture that JMAP offers. The emphasis on security, with the planned Autocrypt integration, makes it a good choice for users concerned about email privacy.
However, the app's limited settings and specific workflow may not appeal to everyone. Users who prefer highly customizable email clients with extensive settings options might find Ltt.rs too restrictive. Those requiring full offline functionality may also need to look elsewhere.
The target audience for Ltt.rs is relatively niche. It's geared towards technically-minded individuals and organizations already invested in the JMAP ecosystem and who are seeking a lightweight, secure, and maintainable email client. It is not designed for the average user who expects a traditional email experience with a plethora of configuration options.
Overall, Ltt.rs is a promising project that prioritizes simplicity, maintainability, and security within the JMAP framework. While its limited customization and lack of full offline support might not suit all users, its focus on a streamlined workflow and modern architecture make it a compelling option for those invested in the JMAP ecosystem. The 4/5 rating seems appropriate, reflecting its potential and current limitations as a "proof of concept" still under development. The open-source nature of the project also fosters community involvement and potential for future improvements.
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