Merge branch 'master' into develop

1 files changed, 30 insertions, 3 deletions

diff --git a/CHANGES.md b/CHANGES.md
index 0edf6c34c9..5f0c50851f 100644
--- a/CHANGES.md
+++ b/CHANGES.md
@@ -1,13 +1,40 @@
-Synapse 1.76.0rc2 (2023-01-27)
-==============================
+Synapse 1.76.0 (2023-01-31)
+===========================
 
-The 1.76 release is the first to enable faster joins ([MSC3706](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-spec-proposals/pull/3706) and [MSC3902](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-spec-proposals/pull/3902)) by default. Admins can opt-out: see [the upgrade notes](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse/blob/release-v1.76/upgrade.md#faster-joins-are-enabled-by-default) for more details.
+The 1.76 release is the first to enable faster joins ([MSC3706](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-spec-proposals/pull/3706) and [MSC3902](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-spec-proposals/pull/3902)) by default. Admins can opt-out: see [the upgrade notes](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse/blob/release-v1.76/docs/upgrade.md#faster-joins-are-enabled-by-default) for more details.
 
 The upgrade from 1.75 to 1.76 changes the account data replication streams in a backwards-incompatible manner. Server operators running a multi-worker deployment should consult [the upgrade notes](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse/blob/release-v1.76/docs/upgrade.md#changes-to-the-account-data-replication-streams).
 
 Those who are `poetry install`ing from source using our lockfile should ensure their poetry version is 1.3.2 or higher; [see upgrade notes](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse/blob/release-v1.76/docs/upgrade.md#minimum-version-of-poetry-is-now-132).
 
 
+Notes on faster joins
+---------------------
+
+The faster joins project sees the most benefit when joining a room with a large number of members (joined or historical). We expect it to be particularly useful for joining large public rooms like the [Matrix HQ](https://matrix.to/#/#matrix:matrix.org) or [Synapse Admins](https://matrix.to/#/#synapse:matrix.org) rooms. 
+
+After a faster join, Synapse considers that room "partially joined". In this state, you should be able to
+
+- read incoming messages;
+- see incoming state changes, e.g. room topic changes; and
+- send messages, if the room is unencrypted.
+
+Synapse has to spend more effort to complete the join in the background. Once this finishes, you will be able to
+
+- send messages, if the room is in encrypted;
+- retrieve room history from before your join, if permitted by the room settings; and
+- access the full list of room members.
+
+
+Improved Documentation
+----------------------
+
+- Describe the ideas and the internal machinery behind faster joins. ([\#14677](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse/issues/14677))
+
+
+Synapse 1.76.0rc2 (2023-01-27)
+==============================
+
 Bugfixes
 --------