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Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

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Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#221

Post by dang »

One large past thread and two tinies:

Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43343574 - March 2025 (1 comment)

Localsend: Open-Source Airdrop Alternative - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37938183 - Oct 2023 (229 comments)

Localsend: An open source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34936796 - Feb 2023 (1 comment)

(Reposts are fine after a year or so; links to past threads are just to satisfy extra-curious readers)

Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#222

Post by nomel »

moo-jason wrote: post #209
eigenspace wrote: post #28

My problem is that all these alternatives require the devices to be on the same local network. One beauty of Airdrop is that it creates and handles that local network automatically under the hood (as far as I understand). So you could be out on a hike with friends and Airdrop something. The workaround I've found after switching to an Android device has been to teather my connection to my friend's device, which ends u…

https://mbarlow.github.io/thinair/ Device to device transfer, just a static github page. gh repo: https://github.com/mbarlow/thinair Creates QR codes for each device to scan for webrtc. Android to android will do an audible chirp that lets the devices know to switch from qr code mode to opening the camera to scan each others codes. Tested android to apple and working, the audio chirp doesn't get caught by apple. Just…

Whenever I need to use something like this it's because the device isn't mine, which makes this so much better than an app. Would be cool if there was a text message option, and a bit of server so the second scan wouldn't be required. Pretty funny how simple the concept is though.

Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#223

Post by pypt »

Here's my take: https://aero.zip

End-to-end encrypted, no need to be on the same LAN, upload/download auto-resume, real-time transfers (start downloading before upload finishes), really fast (10 Gbps link, smart chunking).

Also zero-knowledge logins (via OPAQUE), passkey/2FA support, no AI training now or ever, GDPR compatible. 2 GB transfers are free.

Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#224

Post by sholladay »

lxgr wrote: post #187
sholladay wrote: post #94

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not only that, but with iOS 17.1 or later, AirDrop transfers will continue to work if you go out of Wi-Fi range during the transfer. It seamlessly switches to an Internet-based relay.

Which, in my view, significantly decreases the value proposition, as there is no way to deactivate this feature to my knowledge (at least not without also opting out of other useful features under the "Handoff" umbrella). A typical Apple feature, dreamed up by engineers that are presumably not aware of the existence of metered data plans...

You can disable it, actually.

Settings > General > AirDrop > turn off Use Cellular Data

That said, I don’t really see why you would disable that. It’s only a backup method for when the peer-to-peer connection fails. Unless you are sending huge files on a regular basis, I wouldn’t expect it to be worth disabling. Also, most metered plans I’ve encountered just cause your connection to be very slow after you hit the data cap.

If you are on a plan that automatically charges you excessive overage fees without warning and there is no other choice, then my condolences.

Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#225

Post by lorenzohess »

eigenspace wrote: post #59
lorenzohess wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you're on a hike you can get on the same network by joining your friend's phone WiFi hotspot.

I literally said that in my comment. I also said it's not as nice an experience.

Whoops, totally missed that. Maybe Localsend could include some "discover" mode where Wi-Fi hotspot connection happens automatically?

Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#226

Post by lxgr »

sholladay wrote: post #224
lxgr wrote: post #187

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which, in my view, significantly decreases the value proposition, as there is no way to deactivate this feature to my knowledge (at least not without also opting out of other useful features under the "Handoff" umbrella). A typical Apple feature, dreamed up by engineers that are presumably not aware of the existence of metered data plans...

You can disable it, actually. Settings > General > AirDrop > turn off Use Cellular Data That said, I don’t really see why you would disable that. It’s only a backup method for when the peer-to-peer connection fails. Unless you are sending huge files on a regular basis, I wouldn’t expect it to be worth disabling. Also, most metered plans I’ve encountered just cause your connection to be very slow after you hit the dat…

Oh, cool, thank you! I must have used the wrong search terms; I could only find vague hints about deactivating Handoff/Continuity.

I stand corrected, and I appreciate that Apple did consider the non-Bay-Area use case :)

> Unless you are sending huge files on a regular basis

I do use AirDrop extensively for sharing photos when traveling. One sharing session could easily eat through my roaming allowance.

Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#227

Post by angry_octet »

There are packages for iOS app store, but it isn't in any Debian/Ubuntu/Fedora repo? Just snap/flatpak.

Am I correct in thinking community maintainers have little to no visibility therefore?

Additionally, is there any indication what source code is used to build an app store submission? Even a checksum?

Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#229

Post by eigenspace »

justmarc wrote: post #215
eigenspace wrote: post #28

My problem is that all these alternatives require the devices to be on the same local network. One beauty of Airdrop is that it creates and handles that local network automatically under the hood (as far as I understand). So you could be out on a hike with friends and Airdrop something. The workaround I've found after switching to an Android device has been to teather my connection to my friend's device, which ends u…

That's why we worked very hard to create the ultimate, nothing held back tool and recently launched it. Works across any device/user/platform. UI, CLI, Local network, over the internet, anything. P2P + E2EE. https://zynk.it

Not interested in an over-over-the-internet solution. What makes Airdrop good is that it's local.

Re: Localsend: An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

#230

Post by eigenspace »

lakshyanoir wrote: post #105
eigenspace wrote: post #28

My problem is that all these alternatives require the devices to be on the same local network. One beauty of Airdrop is that it creates and handles that local network automatically under the hood (as far as I understand). So you could be out on a hike with friends and Airdrop something. The workaround I've found after switching to an Android device has been to teather my connection to my friend's device, which ends u…

try out this app called "Blip". It doesn't require you to be on the same network.

It does require an internet connection though, which is worse.
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