Live data from Hacker News

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

github.com

61–70 of 284 posts

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

#61

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…

Wireguard VPN to your home network, and then you can do anything

That's an even worse solution than the hacky workaround of just teathering my internet connection.

The whole point of these solutions is to not have to transmit data over the internet, it should work over a local dynamic connection.

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

#62
post #45

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…

For true crossplatform p2p the closest I have found is FlyingCarpet [1]. But it is not super reliable or friendly. [1] https://github.com/spieglt/FlyingCarpet

Very cool, I didn't know about this. I'll watch it with interest.

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

#64
post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

QuickShare is compatible with AirDrop these days, thanks to EU regulations: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/the-eu-made-apple-ad...

One Android phone supports it so far, and it's widely expected Apple will find some way to lock it out or at least delay more support.

Glass half empty kinda guy, huh? :-)

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

#65

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…

[flagged]

AWDL is such an amazing technology, it's understandable that Apple wants to keep it only for their devices as it gives them a noticeable advantage for quick stuff sharing.

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

#67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

Seems weird there is no 802.n variant to do this very popular thing

That's precisely what Wi-Fi Aware (NaN) is and it is heavily based on AWDL. It's even built into recent versions of iOS and Android.
Post reply on HN