Payload is a x-platform desktop app for file transfers, with focus on E2EE security, speed and UX. Last time[1] it was LAN only, and over the last 2 years (wow, time flies) it's now online (WAN) as well.
- There's no storage/hosting. This is device-to-device transfers only.
- Unlike FTP, syncthing etc, you don't need to grant permissions to your file system. The receiver decides where to put the files.
- Hybrid P2P - relay architecture: This imo is the most complex, fun, frustrating and interesting part. Hole punching is fascinating. If you are curious, I highly recommend Tailscale's article[2].
- Privacy: Server maintains contact list for online status and connection assistance (in other words, not anonymous). However, transfers are always end-to-end encrypted, including metadata.
- Speed: The ambition is to saturate both LAN and WAN links. If you got a 1-10 Gbps+ line, I'd love to stress test it with you.
- Tech stack: Tauri, Go, SQlite, Svelte, etc (ask!)
This is a one-man show, with no outside funding. Planning to monetize with paid data plans for heavy users + permanent free tier for casuals. LAN transfers remain free & unlimited.
[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32100352
[2]: https://tailscale.com/blog/how-nat-traversal-works
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