Feature removal proposal

The next release of speakfreely will contain some new features, but
also there are some improvements that need to be made to the program
to improve reliability and security.  That process could be faster and
easier if some of the existing older features are removed or
disabled.  I am interested to hear if there is anyone using any of the
following features and feels they have value in the program.  If not,
they may be removed if they get in the way of development.

* "Show your face" graphics.  This comprises a complicated part of
both the source code, and also the transmission protocol.  It is known
to contain some problems, and I don't think any of the current
developers know how it works.  In the modern context, where IM is
popular, but none seem to have this feature, I have the impression
it's not something that people are looking for these days. 

* Simple 2x compression (4kHz sampling).  This is a special-case
"compression mode" because it can be used in conjunction with other
modes.  With the modern codecs and faster CPUs, I don't see this being
useful anymore and it complicates the decoding process.

* VAT protocol.  This was made obsolete by RTP many years ago. Does
anyone still use it?  Protocol detection is one of the more awkward
areas, so reducing the options from 3 to 2 may help.

* direct modem communications.  With the ubiquity of the internet, is
this still likely to be of use?

* Old version compatibility.  Is there anyone who would have problems
if the next version released were not compatible with some versions of
speakfreely prior to 7.6?   I think good backward compatibility will
remain regardless, but it would be good to hear any constraints on
this.


Soren


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