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Comment by ekwogefee | Hacker News Reader

Cross-platform local file transfer alternative with resumable file transfer:

This looks interesting. I'm a bit confused though. It seems like all the pricing plans are structured in a way that you're either only paying for iOS devices or for every kind of device except iOS ones. Does this mean transfers between iOS and non-iOS devices aren't supported? Or do I have to buy two plans in order to do it?

edit: Okay, on a closer look, it seems like you do need two licenses, because the iOS license can only be purchased through the iOS app. Just wish they'd provide a brief trial so I could test it.

edit2: Nevermind, apparently, if you install the apps, you can use them in a limited fashion before buying. It doesn't say anywhere what the limits are, but it says there are limits.

One of the limits is that you can't choose where your downloads go. Also, there are now ads on the unpaid version, which I think weren't there before.

I grew to dislike the app after running into the limits/ads. It does work, but it feels cheap and unpolished. There's no way I'd ever buy one of the pricing plans. I just don't feel like I would be getting my money's worth, especially when I could just go through a more involved solution.

Ah, okay. I'm considering buying it because it fills a certain need (transferring files easily between my iOS and Android/PC devices easily and quickly. 10€/year for something that works well, takes a minimum of tapping buttons and just doesn't get in my way, it seems worth it. But then I'm somebody who'll pay 20€ for an app if it means I "own" it and it solves whatever problem I have.

I'd probably pay 10€ outright for it if I got to own it forever, but I dislike paying for it yearly.

Looks great, I wonder why it doesn't have more traction.

The killer feature of AirDrop is that it's built in. Impossible to compete against network effects like that.

Maybe because it's not free: 5$ a year for 4 devices but only the same type, you cannot install it on your Mac and your iPhone With only one licence. So if you want to transfer between Mac and iPhone, it's at least 10$ a year.

And the other big problem - that is $5 a year just for your own devices. I have plenty of ways to move files from one machine to another, but if I have a file that I want to give to a family member sitting next to me, or a co-worker across the table the chances of him having the same service is zero unless I sell them on it. With AirDrop I just look at what hardware they have and immediately know if it is compatible.

Because not only is it not free, but it also has an annual license to use it.

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