news.volyx.in

Ente: Open-Source, E2E Encrypted, Google Photos Alternative (ente.io)

964 points by madmax108 · 898 days ago · 327 comments on HN

Article summary

Ente is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted, and multi-platform alternative to Google Photos. It offers features such as face recognition, zero-knowledge AI, and curated memories, with a focus on user privacy. The service is available for a monthly or yearly fee, with options for family plans and additional storage. Ente's clients and server are open-source, allowing for transparency and community involvement.

Main themes

  • Privacy-focused photo storage
  • Google Photos alternative
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Open-source software
  • Cloud storage
  • Photo management

What commenters say

  • Ente's emphasis on privacy and security makes it a viable alternative to Google Photos for those concerned about data protection.
  • The cost of Ente's service is reasonable considering the emphasis on privacy and security, but some users find it too expensive compared to other options.
  • Self-hosting is a desirable feature for some users, and Ente's current lack of this option is a drawback, although the company plans to offer it in the future.
  • Other photo storage services, such as Photoprism and Immich, offer similar features and may be more suitable for certain users due to their self-hosting capabilities or lower costs.
  • The frequency of updates and breaking changes in some photo storage services can be a source of frustration for users, highlighting the need for a balance between development pace and stability.
  • Some users prioritize features like face recognition, automatic labeling, and map views, and may choose a service that offers these features over one that prioritizes privacy and security.
  • The importance of release notes and backups is emphasized by users who have experienced issues with updates and breaking changes in photo storage services.
  • The trade-off between cost and features is a key consideration for users choosing a photo storage service, with some willing to pay more for additional features and others prioritizing affordability.