Ente - Articles

iOS 27 AI Photo Editing and Why Originals Matter

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

iOS 27 AI Photo Editing and Why Originals Matter

Spatial Reframing, Extend and an updated Clean Up tool can change what appears in a photograph. Here is how to keep the camera original and the finished edit in a private archive.

The Clean Up, Extend and Reframe tools in Photos. Source: Apple Newsroom.

Apple's September 14 release brings new AI photo editing tools to Photos. They can change a picture's perspective, extend its edges and remove objects, generating detail to fill the affected areas. Read Apple's announcement.

A wider frame may include a background the camera never recorded. A cleaner scene may leave out something you will care about years later. Keeping the unedited capture gives your future self a choice.

Choose your photo archive deliberately. Use the editor that gives you the result you want, and make Ente the private home for the files you want to keep. Ente encrypts your photos and their metadata before upload, with keys the service cannot access. How Ente protects your photos.

The new AI editing tools in Apple Photos

Tool	What changes in your photo
Spatial Reframing	Adjusts the apparent viewpoint after capture. Apple says it generates new content where the perspective changes.
Extend	Fills beyond the existing frame when you change the aspect ratio or straighten a horizon.
Updated Clean Up	Removes objects and fills the space they occupied. Apple says the update improves this infill in complex scenes.

Source: Apple's September 14 Apple Intelligence release.

Image Playground also gains photorealistic image generation and new ways to modify images. It is a separate creative app; the three tools above work in Photos. More on the update.

Apple's Spatial Reframing demonstration. Image: Apple. Source: Apple Intelligence.

Generated detail can look plausible without showing what the camera actually saw. Keep both the edited version and the original capture.

Usage limits and future charges for AI editing

Apple says certain features that depend on server models, including intelligent photo editing, have daily usage limits. Those limits can vary with the feature, request complexity and system demand. Apple also plans to charge for expanded access in the future; the announcement gives no price or universal edits-per-day allowance. Apple's availability and usage guide.

Installing iOS 27 alone does not guarantee access. The tools require compatible Apple Intelligence hardware and supported settings; availability varies by language and region. Check your device against Apple's requirements before planning a large editing session.

Where the AI processing happens

Apple combines processing on your device with larger models through Private Cloud Compute. Apple says data processed there is used only for your request, is not stored and is not accessible to Apple. You can choose where your photo library lives independently. Apple's privacy explanation.

For finding and organizing photos, Ente runs face recognition and semantic search on your device. The resulting indexes sync with end-to-end encryption. These features help you find your photos while keeping their contents private. They serve a different purpose from generating a new background or viewpoint. How Ente's on-device ML works.

An AI label cannot replace the original

Apple says SynthID support will arrive in a later update in 2026 and cover most edited images, depending on the edits applied. Its launch announcement also points to image metadata for identifying AI-generated or edited content. Apple's announcement and footnote.

A label can tell you that a picture was altered. It cannot give you the camera's original capture back. For family memories, keep an identifiable original alongside the finished edit, even if the change seems minor today.

Ente returns the same photo and video files you imported when you export them. Changes to dates or descriptions made inside Ente are kept separately. You can preserve both versions of a photograph and take them with you later. Ente's file-preservation behavior.

How to keep originals and AI edits in Ente

Apple Photos retains originals so you can undo edits within its library. To keep your files accessible outside that editing environment, export the versions you want to preserve. Apple's editing guide.

1. Export the original. On a Mac, select the picture in Photos and use File > Export > Export Unmodified Original. This gives you the source file rather than the finished edit. Apple's export instructions.

2. Export the version you edited. Use the regular File > Export > Export Photos command separately, choosing the format, size and quality you need. Keep it in a distinct folder or give it a clear name. A finished JPEG is not an editable history of every change.

3. Import both files into Ente. Upload the original and the finished edit through Ente's desktop or web app. Open both after upload and check that you have the two versions you intended to keep. This workflow saves separate files; it does not transfer Apple's editing controls. Importing from Apple Photos.

4. Leave a note for your future self. Add a description such as "Original camera capture" or "AI edit: extended background." Descriptions in Ente are searchable and end-to-end encrypted. Choose an album name that connects the versions to the same event. Adding descriptions in Ente.

Keep control of your photos as editing tools change. With Ente, you can preserve your originals and edits, and find your memories without giving the storage provider access to their contents. Start your private photo archive with Ente.

For the broader feature breakdown, see our Ente vs. Apple Photos comparison.

New Rules for iOS 27 Shared Albums

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

iOS 27 changes who pays for shared-album storage and introduces optional albums that expire after 30 days. Here is what to check before your next group album.

The updated Shared Albums interface in iOS 27. Source: Apple Newsroom.

A shared album starts as a convenient place to collect a weekend away. A few years later, it may be the only place you can find a friend's pictures from that trip. That makes the rules around keeping those pictures important.

Apple's September 14 software release adds full-resolution sharing and browser contributions from Android and Windows devices. See Apple's announcement.

The less obvious changes concern who supplies the storage, what happens when an album expires, and what an upgrade means for older photos. For a private collection you want to keep after the sharing ends, Ente lets you close a sharing link without deleting the photos behind it. How Ente links work.

Who pays for iOS 27 Shared Albums

For regular shared albums created with the new experience, photos and videos use the album owner's iCloud storage. That includes pictures contributed by other people. Apple keeps them in their original formats at full resolution; available storage becomes the limit on how much an album can hold. Temporary albums are an exception. Apple's storage rules.

For an event organizer, the practical question is how much everyone will upload. As an illustration, 2,000 new guest photos averaging 5 MB each would total about 10 GB before any video. That is a planning example, not a measured album size.

Choose the album owner deliberately. The person who creates the album is also taking responsibility for the space the group will need.

Temporary albums expire after 30 days

Apple offers an optional temporary Shared Album. It does not use your iCloud storage, can contain up to 5,000 photos and videos, and expires after 30 days. Any media that has not been saved to a personal library is then deleted.

The deadline matters for everyone who wants a lasting copy. Joining an album and saving its contents are different actions.

Before the deadline, the owner can turn off Make Album Temporary to keep the album, at which point it uses their iCloud storage. Copies already saved to a personal library remain there. These rules apply to temporary albums; regular albums do not automatically expire after 30 days. Apple's temporary-album guide.

Apple's album-creation screen shows the storage owner and the optional temporary-album setting. Source: Apple Support.

What happens to your older shared albums

Installing iOS 27 does not automatically convert albums created with earlier software. Apple provides a separate album upgrade. After that upgrade, newly shared photos and videos use their original resolution. Existing items stay exempt from your iCloud quota; new additions use the owner's storage. Participants with older software can use iCloud.com to view the upgraded album. Apple's upgrade guide.

Original resolution applies to newly shared files. Keep the originals, and re-share from those files if you want the best-quality versions in an upgraded album. Do not assume an album upgrade can recover detail missing from an older shared copy.

Shared Albums still have a privacy gap

Apple's published iCloud security guide excludes Shared Albums from end-to-end encryption, including when Advanced Data Protection is enabled. The separate iCloud Shared Photo Library has different rules: Apple says it can remain end-to-end encrypted when every participant has Advanced Data Protection enabled. The two features should not be confused. Apple's security documentation.

Ente keeps shared photos end-to-end encrypted, so Ente's servers cannot read them. The people with access to your album can see the pictures, while the company storing them cannot. How Ente sharing works.

Let the link expire while you keep the photos

There are two different things you might want to end after an event: access to an album, and storage of the album itself. Ente lets you set an expiry for a public link or remove that link later. Removing it leaves the album's photos in your account. Ente's link controls.

For a birthday, reunion or group trip, collect the pictures, give everyone time to enjoy them, then close the link. Your collection can stay private in Ente. You still need storage for it; closing a link is a sharing decision, not a way to avoid storage costs.

A plan for photos you want to keep

Before the next trip, agree on who will keep the group's photos and how long the invitation to contribute should stay open. Then build the album around that decision.

1. Choose one home for the collection. Create an Ente album for the event. Give it a name that will make sense next year, and tell the group where the final collection will live.

2. Let guests contribute from their browsers. Enable Allow adding photos on the album's sharing link. Guests can upload without installing Ente or creating an account. We introduced account-free photo collection in 2022. Read about Collect.

3. Decide when to close the link. Set an expiry date that gives people time to upload and save what they want. You can also add a password. Treat the link as private: it carries the key needed to view the photos. Manage access.

4. Budget for the whole group. Uploads through an Ente Collect link count toward your storage. Free-plan public links have a 10-device limit; paid plans can create links without a device limit. Check those settings before distributing an event link. Plan and storage details.

For photos you want to keep after the event, Ente combines encrypted sharing with control over when access ends. Create your next album with Ente.

For the broader feature breakdown, see our Ente vs. Apple Photos comparison.

What do 10,000 photos say?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Back in February 2012, w0rmer was on a hacking spree.

From Texas's Department of Public Safety, to Alabama's Department of Public Safety, to a police chiefs' association in West Virginia, to a county government in Alabama - he'd get in, grab whatever confidential and personal information he could find, erase data, and then deface the sites on his way out. He ran with CabinCr3w, a hacker group that had spun out of Anonymous. In his day job he was a Linux Systems Administrator.

By all measures this was a highly tech-literate individual, who wielded technology as a weapon, and was careful about everything a careful person is supposed to be careful about.

But then he broke into an FBI criminal database, and on his way out he left his calling card - a photo of a woman in a bikini, holding up a handwritten sign that read "PwNd by w0rmer & CabinCr3w, <3 u BiTch's!" Yes, very 2012.

This one time w0rmer had forgotten to strip the photo of its metadata. The woman who had taken that photo had done so using her iPhone with location services on. Through this, the FBI traced the photo back to her exact coordinates, discovered her identity, and found her Facebook page, which revealed w0rmer as her fiancé, Higinio Ochoa. He was arrested in Galveston, Texas, on March 20, 2012.

One photo got one man caught this one time because of one mistake. Now imagine if the FBI had 10,000 photos to work with.

If a picture tells a thousand words,

what do 10,000 pictures say about a person's life? Go ahead and upload any photo, say the last one you took, on https://theyseeyourphotos.com. You will get an immediate output based on what the machine sees in it - who's in the frame, what they're doing, what's in the background, and a few guesses about the people themselves. If you find it a bit unsettling, remind yourself that it's all based on just one photo. What happens when you add the other 9,999?

The first thing that appears is a map.

Every photo drops a pin, and after 10,000 photos, the pins huddle together in a handful of places. The one you're at every night and every weekend is your house. The one you're at on weekdays from 9-6 is your office. Fifty pins in a single weekend, and someone in a white dress in most of them, is where the wedding was. The one that shows up at 8am and 3pm during the week, with a kid in the frame, is the school. The one you go to once a year, and features older people, is where the grandparents live. The restaurant that is pinged again and again is the favourite of your family. You get the picture.

The second thing apparent is a network.

Your photo app already groups every face that exists across your library, so it knows who's in your life and roughly how much - the people in thousands of photos versus the ones in fifty. Based on this frequency, it is possible to infer who the most important people are in your life. Put that on the map, and suddenly the relationships are also clarified - the partner, the children, the colleagues, the friends.

The third, and maybe the most gut-wrenching realization, is the story.

You see, your photos always have faces. But their presence and absence, over time, tells your life story. A new face arrives in 2017, and is in everything by 2018. A dog arrives in 2019. A baby shows up in 2020. One of the original faces disappears in 2022, followed by 50 pins in one location, with everyone dressed the same and no one smiling.

This is the distillation of your life, indexed by who, where, and when, kept on a server that isn't yours. Ten years of friendships, relationships and breakups, written up for an algorithm to process. For maybe as mundane an output as 'What range of phones should we serve to this person in ads?'

Google says that Photos data isn't used for ads.

There's no real reason to not believe them. But Google Photos has the readable version of all your photos. The AI already scans them 'to improve our services'. All that stands between today and a full report on the last ten years of your life is a policy decision. And if that happened to change tomorrow, all you would get is an email about updated terms of service.

Take control.

With end-to-end encryption the sorting still happens - faces, places, trips - but it happens on your phone, and what reaches the server is something nobody can open. The decision to 'not look' isn't based on pinky promises any more, it's built into the architecture. Google says they won't look. At Ente, we couldn't if we tried.

What Happens if You Lose Your Phone with 2FA on It?

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Losing your phone is stressful. Realising it had your 2FA codes on it feels like being locked out of your entire digital life.

Here's what to do, and how to stop it happening again.

The short answer

If your authenticator app had cloud backup or sync turned on, you can restore your codes on a new device in minutes. If not, you'll recover each account individually using backup codes or account recovery.

Either way: don't panic, and don't wipe anything yet.

Step 1: Stop and assess

Answer three questions:

Which authenticator app were you using?
Was sync or cloud backup turned on?
Do you have your backup codes saved anywhere?

Your answers determine which path to take.

Step 2: Try to restore your codes first

Ente Auth

Install Ente Auth on a new device, sign in with your Ente account, and your codes sync back instantly. End-to-end encrypted, so nobody else could have read them.

Google Authenticator (sync on)

Install the app on a new phone and sign in with the same Google Account. Codes appear automatically.

Note: Google sync is not end-to-end encrypted. If your phone might be in someone else's hands, change your Google Account password first.

Microsoft Authenticator (backup on)

Install the app. Before signing in, tap Begin recovery and authenticate with your Microsoft account. Personal accounts restore. Work and school accounts must be re-added through your organisation's security settings.

Authy

Install Authy on a new device, enter the same phone number, and complete multi-device verification.

Note: Authy is winding down for personal users. If affected, switch to a different app now.

Bitwarden Authenticator

If you connected it to Bitwarden Password Manager, sign in on a new phone and codes sync back. If not, your codes are gone with the phone—skip to Step 3.

Aegis or 2FAS without backup

If you exported a backup file and saved it somewhere accessible, restore from that file. Otherwise, skip to Step 3.

Step 3: If you can't restore, recover account by account

Start with the most important accounts.

Use your backup codes

When you set up 2FA, each service gave you one-time backup codes. Use them to log in.

Where to look:

Password manager (search by service name)
Email inbox (search "backup codes" or "recovery codes")
Files, Notes app, or printed copies

Once logged in, disable 2FA, then re-enable it with your new authenticator app.

Use account recovery

No backup codes? Every major service has a recovery process. Common methods:

Email recovery: Link sent to a verified backup email
SMS verification: Code sent to a registered phone number
Identity verification: Government ID or security questions
Customer support: Required for high-stakes accounts like banking and crypto

On the service's login page, click Can't access your account or Forgot password / 2FA.

Prioritise

Recover in this order:

Primary email — often used to recover other accounts
Password manager
Banking and financial accounts
Cloud storage (iCloud, Google, Dropbox)
Cryptocurrency exchanges — strictest recovery process
Everything else

Step 4: Secure your old phone if findable

iPhone: Lock or wipe via iCloud.com/find.
Android: Lock or wipe via Find My Device.
Change passwords on accounts without 2FA — they're most exposed.
Revoke active sessions on email, social media, and cloud storage.

Note: Assume someone could eventually bypass your phone's PIN or biometrics.

Step 5: Make sure this never happens again

Don't rely on a single device for your 2FA codes.

Use an app with end-to-end encrypted sync. Ente Auth is free, open source, and syncs across phone, desktop, and web.
Save backup codes for every account in a password manager or a physically secure place.
Set up 2FA on multiple devices where possible — phone and tablet, or phone and desktop.
Test recovery once a year by restoring on another device or logging in with a backup code.

Which apps survive a lost phone

App	Lost phone scenario
Ente Auth	✅ E2EE sync. Sign in on any device, codes restore
Google Authenticator	⚠️ Restorable via Google sync (not E2EE). Locked out if sync was off
Microsoft Authenticator	⚠️ Personal accounts restore. Work accounts need re-setup
Authy	⚠️ Restorable, but winding down for personal use
2FAS	⚠️ Only if you exported a backup or had cloud sync on
Bitwarden Authenticator	⚠️ Only if synced with Bitwarden Password Manager
Aegis	❌ Gone unless you exported a backup file beforehand

If your app is in the ❌ or ⚠️ column, switching is worth thirty minutes.

Try Ente Auth

How to Transfer Your 2FA Codes to a New Phone

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Got a new phone? Here's how to move your 2FA codes over, whatever app you use.

The short version

Use your authenticator app's built-in transfer or export feature before you wipe your old phone. If your app has encrypted sync, your codes are already on your new device.

Step 1: Find your app

App	Built-in transfer?	Cloud sync?
Google Authenticator	✅ QR code	✅ Google Account (not E2EE)
Microsoft Authenticator	✅ Backup & restore	✅ iCloud / Microsoft Account
Authy	❌ No export	✅ Authy cloud
Aegis	✅ Export to file	❌ Local only
2FAS	✅ Export to file	✅ Google Drive / iCloud
Bitwarden Authenticator	✅ Export to file	⚠️ Only via Bitwarden Password Manager
Ente Auth	✅ Export + sync	✅ End-to-end encrypted

Step 2: Transfer your codes

Google Authenticator

Old phone: open the app, tap the three-dot menu, then Transfer accounts > Export accounts.
Select your accounts and tap Next. A QR code appears.
New phone: install the app, tap Import existing accounts > Scan QR code, and scan.

Note: There is a limit of 10 accounts per QR code. Repeat the steps if you have more accounts.

Microsoft Authenticator

Old phone: enable iCloud Backup (iPhone) or Cloud Backup (Android) in Settings.
New phone: install the app.
Before signing in, tap Begin recovery and authenticate with your Microsoft Account.

Note: Work and school accounts won't restore. Re-add them via your organisation's security settings.

Aegis

Old phone: tap the three-dot menu, then Import & Export > Export.
Choose Encrypted and save the file.
Move the file to your new phone (AirDrop, cable, or cloud drive).
New phone: install Aegis, then Import & Export > Import and select the file.

2FAS

Old phone: Settings > Backup > Export. Save the file.
New phone: Settings > Backup > Import and select the file.

If you use Google Drive or iCloud sync, sign in on your new phone and codes will appear.

Bitwarden Authenticator

If linked to Bitwarden Password Manager, sign in on your new phone and codes will sync back.

Standalone (no Bitwarden account):

Old phone: Settings > Export. Set a password and save the file.
Move the file to your new phone.
New phone: install Bitwarden Authenticator, then Settings > Import. Enter your password.

Note: Standalone has no automatic sync. Always export before switching.

Ente Auth

Signed in with an Ente account? Install Ente Auth on your new phone, sign in, and your codes are there.

Local-only mode: Settings > Export, move the file, then import on your new phone.

Step 3: Test before wiping anything

Step 4: Already wiped your old phone?

Google Authenticator (sync on): Sign in with your Google Account.
Microsoft Authenticator (backup on): Restore from backup during setup.
Bitwarden Authenticator (with account): Sign in to Bitwarden.
Aegis, 2FAS, or standalone Bitwarden: No backup means resetting 2FA account by account. Log in with backup codes, then re-enable 2FA on your new phone.
Ente Auth (with account): Sign in. Done.

The real fix: pick an app that handles this automatically

Most phone-switch headaches come from apps without proper sync. Ente Auth is free, open source, and keeps your codes end-to-end encrypted across every device. Your next phone switch takes thirty seconds.

Try Ente Auth

Google Photos Partner Sharing vs iCloud Shared Photo Library

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Both Google Photos and Apple Photos offer a way to share your photo library with the people closest to you. Google calls it Partner Sharing. Apple calls it iCloud Shared Photo Library. They sound similar, but the way they work, who they work for, and what they actually do with your photos are quite different.

This guide breaks down the key differences so you can determine which fits you better:

Feature	Google Photos Partner Sharing	iCloud Shared Photo Library
Max participants	2 (you + 1 partner)	6 (you + up to 5 people)
Platform	Cross-platform (Android, iOS, web)	Apple only (iOS 16.1+, macOS Ventura+)
What's shared	A copy is made available to partner; originals stay in your library	Photos actually move from your personal library into the shared library
Who can edit	Each person edits only their own copy; edits don't sync to partner	All participants can edit, favorite, caption, and delete any photo in the shared library
Who can delete	You can only delete your own copy	Any participant can delete any photo (original contributor gets the option to move it back to their personal library)
Storage	Saved partner photos don't count against your quota as long as sharing is active	All shared content counts against the host/creator's iCloud storage
Sharing filters	All photos, since a specific date, or only photos of selected face groups	All photos, photos by date, photos of specific people, or manual selection
Camera integration	No direct camera toggle; sharing happens after backup	Built-in camera toggle to shoot directly into the shared library, with Bluetooth proximity and "Share When at Home" options
Albums	Albums don't transfer	Albums don't transfer either, only the photos themselves
Metadata	EXIF data (dates, GPS) and captions preserved; face labels, edit history, and archived photos are not	All tags, metadata, and location info preserved
Screenshots and third-party app photos	Excluded by default on Android since late 2024; optional toggle added in March 2025	Included (anything in your library can be moved to the shared library)
Multiple sharing setups	Only one partner at a time	Only one shared library at a time
What happens when sharing stops	Photos you already saved stay in your library but start counting against your storage	If you were a participant for 7+ days, you get a copy of everything; under 7 days, you only get back what you contributed

Both Partner Sharing and iCloud Shared Photo Library make it easier to manage photos as a family. But neither is end-to-end encrypted (Apple has opt-in E2E via Advanced Data Protection, which is not available everywhere either), which means the provider can still access your photos on their servers.

If privacy matters as much as convenience, Ente Photos offers shared albums that are end-to-end encrypted and open source. You can even select all albums and then share in one go with partner(s) (who can view, collaborate or even be an admin).

How to Safely Share Your Kids' Photos With Family

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Every time you share a photo of your child in a WhatsApp group, on Instagram, or in Google Photos, you're handing over more than a memory. You're handing over their face, their location, and sometimes their name — to servers you don't control.

Sharing your children's photos should be simple, private, and stress-free. But most apps make you choose between convenience and privacy. You shouldn't have to.

A genuinely safe family photo app protects against four things — not just who can see the album, but what happens to the photos behind the scenes.

AI training Without end-to-end encryption, a company can analyze uploaded images. Your child's face, your home, your routines — all of it becomes readable.

Ad targeting Free platforms convert user behavior and content into advertising signals. Baby photos trigger baby product ads. That's not a coincidence.

Data breaches If a provider can access your photos, those images may also be exposed in the event of a security incident.

Digital footprint Children cannot meaningfully consent to their images being stored, shared, or retained for years. That decision defaults to you.

Before choosing an app, check these basics:

Are photos end-to-end encrypted?
Can grandparents view albums without creating an account?
Does the service show ads or rely on photo data to make money?
Can you share a private album easily, without jumping through hoops?
Does it update automatically as you take new photos?

How the popular options compare

Mainstream apps are convenient, but convenience usually comes with trade-offs.

Google Photos and Instagram Easy to use and nearly everyone has them. Neither is end-to-end encrypted. Google processes photos for search, memories, and its broader AI systems. Instagram sits inside Meta's ad infrastructure.

WhatsApp Encrypts messages, which makes it useful for direct sharing. However, cloud backup settings can affect how protected those photos remain once stored outside the chat itself.

iCloud Meaningfully better than ad-driven platforms. Apple doesn't monetize your photos. But full end-to-end encryption requires manually enabling Advanced Data Protection — and it's not available in every country.

Tinybeans, FamilyAlbum, 23snaps and other family photo sharing focussed apps More private than social media — albums are invite-only. But invite-only access is not the same as end-to-end encryption, which means the service can still access your photos.

Why Ente Photos works well for this

Ente Photos is a strong option for sharing kids' photos because it combines privacy with convenience.

It is end-to-end encrypted, open source, and designed for photo sharing rather than public posting. You can create a shared album quickly, send a link to family, and let relatives view it in a browser without forcing them to sign up. Smart albums can also help keep family albums updated automatically as you take more photos.

The best family photo app is not just the most private one. It is the one your family will actually use.

Getting started on Ente

Getting started is simple:

Create an account — sign up at ente.com and let your photos back up.
Make a shared album — choose the photos you want to share.
Send the link to family — they can open it in a browser. No account is required just to view. With an account, they can add photos too.
Keep it updated — use smart albums if you want new photos of your child to be added automatically.

The best way to share your kids' photos with family is the one that balances ease, privacy, and control. The important thing is to choose intentionally.

How to selectively back up specific albums on Apple Photos

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Your photos and associated memories aren't all the same. Some are personal, some are work-related, and some are…well, just screenshots. So why should your photo backup solution treat them all the same?

If you've ever tried to selectively back up specific albums from your iPhone using Apple Photos, you may have discovered that it is not possible to do so.

Apple Photos is deeply integrated into the iOS ecosystem and if iCloud Photos is enabled, your entire photo library gets synced, including screenshots, WhatsApp forwards, downloads etc. You cannot choose which albums to back up. You could use a convoluted way of using shared albums, but it is time-consuming and does not maintain original resolution.

This means unnecessary wastage of storage space and giving Apple complete control over all your photos whether you like it or not.

In comparison, Ente Photos offers full control. It lets you choose exactly which albums you want to back up, in just a few steps.

Open the Ente Photos app on your iPhone.
In Settings, choose "Backup" > "Backed up folders" and select the folders for backup.

Alternatively, you could choose a folder from the "On device" section and enable backup.

That's it! The selected album is now end-to-end encrypted and backed up. So if you are looking for an alternative to Apple Photos, that gives you more control over your data, you might want to check out Ente Photos.

To summarize the differences,

Feature	Apple Photos	Ente Photos
Selective album backup	No	Yes
End-to-End encryption	Only in ADP	Yes
Platform Independence	Apple-only	Works everywhere (Apple, Android, Web, Linux, Mac and Windows)

Download Ente Photos and take back control of your memories - one album at a time.

Exporting Google Photos with Takeout

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Google Photos is an incredibly successful product with over 100M+ paying customers storing a lifetime of memories. However, there are many possible circumstances in which you want to takeout your memories from Google Photos. Unfortunately, the tool that Google offers to do this is not the best and most reliable (we ranted about this some time back), as one can see from all the Reddit posts complaining about Google Takeout

This document, therefore, is intended to be a guidebook to help you export your memories from Google Photos for different use cases like

Migrating your memories to Apple iCloud
Keeping a backup copy of your memories
Exporting all your memories to a different service

Lets get started

What is Google Takeout?

Google Takeout is Google’s data portability project which allows users of most of their services (including Google Photos, Chrome, Maps, Drive, etc.) to export their data. We had written about their history here in case you are interested. There are two ways that Google Takeout works

Download the data in multiple zips of max 50GB and then use it how you want
Transfer directly to a selected set of services - Apple iCloud, Flickr, SmugMug, and OneDrive

For most of the use cases, we will have to go through the zip route.

Migrating from Google Photos to Apple iCloud

This is a fairly easy and straight forward process where you don’t have to do a lot except set it up, and wait for your photos to be transferred to the Apple ecosystem. Lets go through the exact steps

Open https://takeout.google.com/takeout/transfer/custom/photos. You will see a screen as shown below

Next, make sure you’re signed into the right Google account that you’re using for Google Photos. You can verify and switch account, if needed by clicking on the top right most icon in the above screen
Before clicking on Continue, also verify the albums you want to move to Apple iCloud. By default “All photo albums included” is selected. You can click on that and select particular albums as well. Photos that are not in any album on Google Photos are usually albumised by year, like “Photos from 2023”, etc.
Click on Continue. Before you go on to select which service to transfer your memories to, Google will ask you to verify your account.

This step is about setting up the service you want to transfer your memories to. The options available are iCloud Photos, Flickr, OneDrive and SmugMug. The exact same steps should work for all the service, but for this article, we will restrict ourselves to Apple iCloud
Select Apple iCloud in the “Move to:” dropdown. And then click on Continue
This will trigger a sign in flow for Apple iCloud. Please complete the same, after which you will come back to the Google Takeout page.

Before moving forwards, do make sure you have enough storage capacity on your iCloud account, so that you don’t run into any issues while transferring
You can now click on “Agree and continue”. This will start the export process, and you will receive e-mails from both Google and Apple notifying you of this transfer

The export process can take a few hours or even more than a day, depending on the size of your collection. However, you dont have to do anything else. Both Google and Apple with e-mail you once the process is completed. After which you can see the photos in your Apple iCloud
Note that your memories will continue to exist on Google Photos, and new photos taken from your devices will continue to be uploaded to Google Photos. You will have to actively delete your data and/or stop upload to Google Photos to solve this.
Some issues we found while doing this on our personal accounts
- For Live Photos, Google just transfers the image file to Apple, and not the video file, making Apple treat it like a regular photo instead of a Live photo
- If you have some photos that are both in your Apple Photos and Google Photos account, it would lead to deduplication. You can use “Duplicates” in the Utilities section of the iOS app, to detect and merge them. However, it does a less than perfect job, so a lot of duplicates would have to be manually deleted.
- A bunch of files which were not supported by iCloud Photos (few raw images, AVI, MPEG2 videos, etc.) were moved to iCloud Drive. So your data isnt lost, but some part of the Google Photos library wouldn’t be available on iCloud photos

Keeping a backup copy of your memories from Google Photos

There are many ways to do this. The path we are focussing on here is for those who use Google Photos as their primary cloud storage, and want to keep a copy of all their photos somewhere else like a hard disk or another cloud storage.

Go to https://takeout.google.com/. This is a place where you can export your data for most of Google’s services

By default, a large number of services are selected for export. Click on “Deselect all”, and then scroll down to Google Photos, and click on the selection box next to Google Photos. On the top right it should show 1 of xx selected.

Review which of your memories are selected for export. For backups, you would want to select all the memories on Google Photos. Click on “Multiple formats” to make sure all formats are selected. Similarly make sure that “All photo albums included”. You can also choose which specific formats or albums to export in case you want that
Now you can scroll to the bottom of the page, and click on “Next step”. This next step is about various options for your export

There are 3 sections here you have to choose the options that works for you
- Destination - Where your exported files are going to go
  - If your backup location is one of OneDrive, Dropbox or Box chose that. Make sure you have enough storage space on these services
  - If you want to backup on a hard disk, or other cloud storage provider you can choose either Google Drive or download link via email. If you’re choosing Google Drive make sure you have enough storage space on Drive
- Frequency
  - Given its a backup copy while you want to continue using Google Photos, you should choose “Export every 2 months for 1 year”. Two important things to note here
    - Google Takeout doesnt support incremental backups. So the export after 2 months is going to be for your entire library. So to save storage space, you will have to delete the old backup where ever you’re storing this, once the new exports are available
    - The export period is only 1 year, so you will have to do this again every year to ensure your backup copy has all the latest memories stored in Google Photos
  - If you have other usecase - like moving into a different service or ecosystem and stop using Google Photos, you can do a “Export once” backup.
- File type and size
  - Google gives two options for file types - .zip and .tgz. I personally prefer .zip as decompression is supported on most devices. However, .tgz is also fine as long as you know how to decompress them
  - For size, Google gives options ranging from 2GB to 50GB. Note that if your library size is large, you will get multiple zip files to cover your entire library. For large libraries, we would recommend keeping the size to 50GB. However, if you have a bad network connection, downloading these 50GB files might take multiple attempts.
Once you have made the selection, you can click on “Create export”. The page will now show a “Export progress” section

Google Takeout will send you an email once the export is completed. You can download the zips from the link provided in the email (if you had selected “Download link via email” as destination) or go to the selected destination (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.) to download the zip files. Note that you only need to download the zips if you want to have the backup in a different location than what you chose as destination
Before downloading this, make sure your device has enough free storage. These zip files contain your entire photo and video library and therefore might require a large amount of device storage
Once you have downloaded the zips, you can move/upload the zips wherever you want to act as a backup for Google Photos. This could be a hard disk or another cloud provider
If you had selected “Export every 2 months for 1 year” as frequency, you will get an email from Google Takeout every 2 months. And you will have to repeat the download and upload process everytime. Note that you can delete old zips once latest backups are available as every 2 months you will get a full backup and not an incremental backup. Otherwise you will consume a lot more storage space than required.
Please note that the above process keeps the zip files as backup. If you want to unzip the files so that the actual photos are available, see the next section

Moving all your memories to another service

The last section mostly covered keeping an extra backup while you’re still using Google Photos. That’s why we kept the zip files as backup, as you don’t need to unzip and keep the uncompressed folders for backup purposes.

However, there are definitely usecases where you would want to uncompress the zips. For e.g., if you want to move your entire library to your hard disk, or another cloud, you would want to make uncompress the zips, ensure your metadata is intact and then upload it.

So how do we do this?

Make sure you have enough storage space (atleast 2 times your Google Photos storage) on your device
Follow the steps of the previous section to download the zip files from Google Takeout
Uncompress the zip files one by one
When you open the uncompressed folders you will notice the following
- The base folder name is “Takeout”, and within that there would be another folder called “Google Photos”
- Inside “Google Photos”, you would have folders corresponding to albums on Google Photos. Photos which are not part of any albums on Google Photos are automatically added to year wise albums like “Photos from 2022”, etc.
- Inside each album, you will see the files associated with your photos and videos
  - Your photo or video media files. These would be jpeg, heic, mov, or mp4, etc.
  - A JSON file with the same name as your photo/video containing all the metadata of your memories like location, camera info, tags, etc.

There are a few issues, however, with the export files though
- If your library is distributed across multiple zips, the albums can reside across multiple zips (and uncompressed folders) which needs to be combined together
- The media file and the corresponding metadata JSON file can also be in different zips
Because of this, when you import these uncompressed folders to another service directly one by one, it might lead to loss of metadata associated with your photos. It might also create incorrect folder/album structure
Thankfully, there are ways to fix these issues
- Metadatafixer
  - All you need to do is add all your zip files to this tool, and it will do its work - combine all the photos/videos and their corresponding metadata together so its readable by any other serice
  - Unfortunately, this is a paid tool that costs $24
- GooglePhotosTakeoutHelper
  - If you have some tech know how or dont want to pay the $24 above, then this is a library that will come to your rescue
  - It works pretty much the same way as Metadatafixer, except you need to uncompress the zips, and move them to a single folder. You can find all the instructions here
Once these fixes are done, you can import the output to any other service or your local storage without the loss of any metadata. This will also work if you want to move your photos from one Google account to another

Moving your memories from Google Photos to Ente

If you want to move away from Google Photos to another service, Ente Photos is the way to go. It offers the same set of features as Google Photos in a privacy friendly product which makes it impossible for anyone to see or access your photos. Migration to Ente is quite easy as well.

Download the zip files from Google Takeout as explained above. Uncompress all the zip files into a single folder
Create an account at photos.ente.com, and download the desktop app from https://ente.com/download
Open the desktop, and click on Upload on the top right
Click on “Google Takeout”, then “Select Folder”, and then select the folder you have just created in the earlier step

Wait for the Ente to upload all the files
That’s it

Bonus: Permanently delete memories in Google Photos after exporting

If you’re exporting Google Photos for a backup, and you intend to continue using Google Photos, then you don’t need to delete your memories.

However, there are many use cases for which you should delete your memories from Google Photos after exporting so you dont get charged for it.

Moving to a different service like Apple Photos or Ente
Using your hard disk for storing memories
Partially clearing Google Photos so you can continue using Gmail
Deleting a few unimportant memories so you can reduce your cloud costs

Deletion should be fairly straightforward

Open the Google Photos app or open the web app at photos.google.com
Select all the photos and albums (which includes all the photos inside) you want to delete

Click on the Delete icon at the bottom
This will move your photos to “Bin”, where it will held for 60 days before its permanently deleted
If you want to permanently delete these memories right away, go to “Collections” tab from the bottom bar
You will see “Bin” on the top right. Click on that. Review the memories there and ensure that you want to delete them permanently.
Clicking on the ellipsis on the top right would show an option to “Empty Bin”. Clicking on this would delete all your memories from the bin.
Please ensure you have checked everything before tapping on “Empty Bin” as this is a permanent operation without any recovery methods.

You can refer this detailed guide for deletion as well

Switching from Windows to Linux

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Remember that day when you first realized how much of your data was being collected by your operating system? Yeah, me too. It was like finding out your best friend had been secretly reading your diary. Not cool, Windows. Not cool at all. Recent findings from the YouTube channel "The PC Security Channel" have shed light on the extent of data harvesting in Microsoft's latest OS.

Wireshark Screenshot from this video

At Ente, we're committed to empowering users like you to enhance your privacy and security. One powerful step in this direction is transitioning from Windows to a GNU/Linux-based operating system.

Understanding GNU/Linux

It's important to note that what we commonly call "Linux" is more accurately referred to as "GNU/Linux". This acknowledges the GNU project's significant contributions to the operating system, including essential tools and libraries that work alongside the Linux kernel.

Why make the switch to GNU/Linux?

Privacy: Unlike Windows, they don't collect user data by default.
Security: Generally less vulnerable to malware and viruses.
Cost-Effective: Most of them are free and open-source.
User-Friendly: Modern distributions are designed with ease of use in mind.
Performance Boost: Often runs faster than Windows, especially on older hardware.

Choosing your GNU/Linux distribution

Let's break down some of the most beginner-friendly GNU/Linux distributions (we call them "distros" in Linux-speak) and find the perfect one for you.

Linux Mint: The Windows-like experience

Linux Mint offers a familiar interface for Windows users.

You'll appreciate it if:

You're coming from Windows and want something familiar
You prefer things to work out of the box
You want a balance between modern features and system stability

🌿 Minty Fresh Tip: The Cinnamon desktop environment is great for beginners, but MATE and Xfce are excellent alternatives if you prefer a lighter system.

Zorin OS: The Windows lookalike

Zorin OS is designed to make the transition from Windows as smooth as possible.

It's perfect for you if:

You're a Windows user looking for the most familiar experience
You want a polished, professional-looking interface out of the box
You appreciate having built-in Windows app support via WINE

🔄 Zorin Zone: Zorin OS comes with a unique "Zorin Appearance" app that lets you easily switch between Windows-like, macOS-like, and other layouts with just a few clicks!

Fedora: Bleeding Edge with Stability

Fedora offers a balance between new features and system stability.

It's a good fit if:

You want recent software versions without sacrificing stability
You're interested in a pure open-source experience
You might be interested in system administration or development in the future

🎩 Fedora Fact: Fedora is the community version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, used in many corporate environments.

Pop!_OS: For Creators and Gamers

Developed by System76, Pop!_OS is gaining popularity among creators and gamers.

You'll enjoy it if:

You're a creative professional or gamer
You appreciate a clean, minimalist interface
You want good out-of-the-box support for NVIDIA graphics

🎮 Pop! Culture: Pop!_OS comes with built-in tools for managing multiple GPUs, making it great for laptops with both integrated and discrete graphics.

Elementary OS: The macOS-like Experience

If you're coming from macOS, Elementary OS might feel familiar.

It's your match if:

You appreciate a clean, minimalist design
You're transitioning from macOS
You want a distro that "just works" out of the box

🎨 Elementary Elegance: While it's okay to choose a distro for its looks, remember that you can customize most GNU/Linux distros to your liking!

💡 Newbie Tip: Don't stress too much about choosing the "perfect" distro. Linux Mint, Zorin OS, or Pop!_OS are great starting points for most people, especially those coming from Windows. Remember, you can always try different distributions later as you become more comfortable with GNU/Linux.

A note on Security

While GNU/Linux systems are generally considered more secure than Windows, it's important to understand that not all distributions offer the same level of security. Factors that can affect security include:

Frequency and timeliness of security updates
Default security settings and features
The distribution's focus on security (some prioritize it more than others)
Community size and responsiveness to security issues

GNU/Linux friendly Laptops

For those who prefer a hassle-free transition, consider purchasing a laptop that's designed to work well with GNU/Linux or comes with it pre-installed. This option ensures full hardware compatibility and saves you the time of installation and initial setup. When choosing a GNU/Linux-friendly laptop, it's crucial to consider not just the software, but also the hardware manufacturer's reputation for privacy, security, and sustainability.

Notable options:

System76: Offers a range of laptops pre-installed with Pop!_OS. Known for their commitment to open-source principles and privacy.
Purism: Focuses on privacy-centric laptops with PureOS pre-installed. Their Librem series is designed with security and privacy in mind, including hardware kill switches for cameras and microphones.
TUXEDO Computers: European company offering various laptops with Ubuntu or TUXEDO OS pre-installed. They have a good reputation for supporting open-source software.
Framework Laptop: While not pre-installed with GNU/Linux, the Framework Laptop is designed with repairability, upgradability, and customization in mind. It's fully compatible with various GNU/Linux distributions and allows users to easily swap out components, including the motherboard. Framework's commitment to right-to-repair principles and transparent design makes it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users.
Pine64: Offers budget-friendly options like the PineBook Pro, which comes with Manjaro Linux pre-installed. They focus on open hardware and software.

Benefits of GNU/Linux-Friendly Laptops:

Guaranteed or well-tested hardware compatibility
Often come with optimized drivers and tweaks for better performance
Support companies that promote open-source software, privacy, and sustainability
In the case of Framework, unparalleled repairability and upgradability

When choosing a GNU/Linux-friendly laptop, consider factors such as:

The manufacturer's commitment to privacy, security, and sustainability
Their history of providing timely updates and patches
The level of control they give users over their hardware
Repairability and upgradability of the device
Community reviews and experiences
Compatibility with your preferred GNU/Linux distribution

Remember, no solution is perfect, and it's always a good idea to do your own research and stay informed about the latest developments in hardware security and sustainability.

Preparing for the switch

Step 1: Backing up

First things first – let's make sure all your precious data is safe and sound.

Photos, Documents, Music, and other files

Make a list of important folders (Photos, Documents, Downloads, Music, etc.).
Copy these to an external hard drive or secure cloud storage.

Browser bookmarks

For Chrome: Click the three dots > Bookmarks and lists > Bookmark manager > Export bookmarks
For Firefox: Click the library button (looks like books) > Show all bookmarks

Import and Backup > Export bookmarks to HTML
For Edge: Open edge://favorites/ > Click the three dots > Export favorites.

Your favorite programs

Make a list of all the programs you use regularly.
For each one, write down:
- What you use it for
- How often you use it
Head to AlternativeTo and search for Linux alternatives for each program.

💡 Newbie Tip: Many popular programs like Firefox, VLC, and LibreOffice work on both Windows and Linux!

Game saves (for the gamers out there)

For Steam games: Right-click the game > Properties > Local Files > Browse Local Files > Find the "saves" folder and back it up
For other games: Google "[Game Name] save file location" and back up those folders

Step 2: Creating Your GNU/Linux USB Stick

Think of this as creating a key to your new Linux home!

Download the ISO file for your chosen Linux distro.
Download a program called Etcher (it's free and works on Windows).
Plug in a USB stick (at least 4GB).
Open Etcher, select your ISO file and your USB stick, then click "Flash!"

Side Note: This process will erase everything on your USB stick, so make sure there's nothing important on it!

Step 3: Installing GNU/Linux

Exciting times – you're about to enter a new world!

Restart your computer and press F12 or Del repeatedly (the exact key varies by computer).
Select your USB stick from the boot menu.
Once Linux loads, click "Install" and follow the on-screen instructions.
When it asks about installation type, choose "Erase disk and install" (make sure you've backed everything up first!).
Create your user account and password.
Wait for installation to complete and restart your computer.

💡 Newbie Tip: If you're not ready to fully commit, you can choose "Install alongside Windows" instead. This lets you choose between Windows and Linux when you start your computer.

Step 4: Welcome to GNU/Linux! Now what?

Congratulations, you're now officially a GNU/Linux user! 🎉 Here's what to do next:

Update Your System: The exact commands vary depending on your distribution. Here are the commands for the distros we've discussed:
- For Linux Mint, Zorin OS, Elementary OS, Pop!_OS (Debian/Ubuntu-based):
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
```
- For Fedora:
```
sudo dnf upgrade
```
These commands ensure your new system has all the latest updates.
Restore Your Data:
- Plug in your external drive or access your cloud storage.
- Copy your files back to your new GNU/Linux home.
Set Up Your Browser:
- Most distributions come with Firefox pre-installed. If you are confused about which browser to choose, check this!
- Import your bookmarks from the file you saved earlier.
Install Your Favorite Programs:
- Open your distribution's Software Center or Package Manager. The name might vary (e.g., "Software" in GNOME-based distros, "Discover" in KDE-based ones).
- Search for and install the GNU/Linux alternatives you found earlier.
Explore and Customize:
- Click around and get to know your new system.
- Try changing the wallpaper or theme to make it feel like home. The process for this varies by desktop environment, but it's usually found in the "Settings" or "Preferences" menu.

💡 Tip: If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to search for "[Your Distro Name] beginner guide" or visit your distribution's official forum or wiki. The GNU/Linux community is incredibly helpful and welcoming to newcomers!

What nobody tells you (but really should!)

Alright, future GNU/Linux guru, now that you're eyeing your distro of choice, let's talk about some GNU/Linux basics that'll make your new digital life a bit easier. Think of this as your GNU/Linux cheat sheet – the stuff that'll make you sound smart at geeky dinner parties!

Software Centers: Your New App Store (But Cooler) Remember how you used to download sketchy .exe files? Kiss those days goodbye! Most GNU/Linux distros come with their own "app stores" (we call them Software Centers). It's like shopping for apps, but everything's free! Both Pop!_OS and Linux Mint have super user-friendly ones. Shopping spree, anyone?
Updates, Updates, All in One Place Forget updating your OS and then updating each app individually. GNU/Linux bundles all that into one smooth process. It's like having a personal assistant for your computer who handles all the boring update stuff.
Terminal: Not As Scary As It Looks (Promise!) Okay, the terminal might look like you're hacking the Matrix, but it's actually pretty cool. While you don't need it for everyday stuff, learning a few commands can make you feel like a total tech wizard. Plus, it's great for impressing your friends!
Drivers: GNU/Linux Has You Covered (Mostly) GNU/Linux is pretty smart about drivers. Most of the time, everything just works out of the box. Occasionally, you might need to install an extra driver or two, especially for some graphics cards. But don't worry, it's usually way easier than on Windows!
Community: Welcome to the Friendliest Geek Squad Ever Got a problem? The GNU/Linux community is like that super-smart, always-helpful neighbor. Forums, subreddits, chat groups – there's always someone ready to help. Just remember to show them you've at least tried Google first!
Patience is a Virtue (And Totally Worth It) Let's be real – there might be a tiny learning curve. But stick with it! Once you get the hang of GNU/Linux, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. It's like learning to ride a bike – a little wobbly at first, but soon you'll be popping wheelies! (Metaphorically, of course. Please don't pop wheelies with your computer.)
Dual-Boot: For the Commitment-Phobes Not ready to go full GNU/Linux? No problem! You can install GNU/Linux alongside Windows or macOS. It's like having a cool apartment in the city without selling your comfy suburban home.
Privacy: Your Data, Your Rules GNU/Linux is like that friend who respects your personal space. While it's generally more privacy-focused than other OSes, it's always a good idea to review your privacy settings. Think of it as setting up your digital boundaries.
Repositories: Your Software Buffet GNU/Linux uses these things called repositories – think of them as all-you-can-eat buffets for software. They're secure, constantly updated, and come pre-configured in distros like Pop!_OS and Linux Mint. It's like having a gourmet chef for your apps!

There you have it – your crash course in GNU/Linux basics! Remember, every GNU/Linux pro was once a beginner too. So don't be afraid to explore, ask questions, and most importantly, have fun with your new OS. Before you know it, you'll be the one explaining swap partitions at parties! (Okay, maybe aim for cooler party tricks.)

FAQ

Q: Will I be able to run all my Windows programs on GNU/Linux? A: While many programs have Linux versions or alternatives, not all Windows software runs natively on GNU/Linux. However, tools like Wine can help run some Windows programs on Linux. For specific software needs, check if there's a Linux version or a suitable alternative before switching.

Q: Is GNU/Linux really more secure than Windows? A: Generally, yes. GNU/Linux is less targeted by malware, has a more robust permission system, and is often updated more quickly when vulnerabilities are found. However, no system is 100% secure, and good security practices are still important.

Q: Do I need to be a programmer to use GNU/Linux? A: Not at all! Modern GNU/Linux distributions are user-friendly and don't require programming knowledge for everyday use. However, learning basic terminal commands can enhance your experience.

Q: What if I need help with my new GNU/Linux system? A: The GNU/Linux community is known for being helpful. You can find support on forums like Ask Ubuntu, Linux Mint Forums, or the specific forum for your chosen distribution. Remember, most problems you encounter have probably been solved by someone else before!

Additional resources

To help you on your GNU/Linux journey, here are some valuable resources:

r/linux: A vibrant community for Linux enthusiasts.
r/linuxquestions: A great place to ask questions and get help.
The Linux Experiment: YouTube channel with Linux tips, news, and reviews.
Learn Linux TV: Comprehensive Linux tutorials and guides.
DistroWatch: Keep track of various Linux distributions and their updates.
Linux Journey: An interactive website to learn Linux basics.
It's FOSS: A blog with news, tutorials, and tips for Linux users.
Learn Linux for Beginners: From Basics to Advanced Techniques

Next steps

Taking the leap to GNU/Linux might seem daunting at first, but it's a rewarding journey towards digital freedom and privacy. Whether you're tired of intrusive data collection, looking for a more stable system, or just curious about alternatives, GNU/Linux offers a world of possibilities.

Remember, the GNU/Linux community is vast and supportive. Don't hesitate to reach out for help, and don't be afraid to experiment. Your perfect setup is out there, waiting for you to discover it.

Ready to make the switch? Download your chosen GNU/Linux distribution today and take the first step towards true digital freedom!

Ente's privacy policy simplified

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Hey there!

We're the Ente team, and we know privacy policies can be a bit... well, boring. But we believe your privacy is super important, so we've decided to break down our policy into simple terms. Here's what you need to know about how we handle your data:

1. Your data is yours

We can't see your photos, videos, or files. These are encrypted and only you have the key to decrypt them. It's like we're holding a locked box for you, but we can't peek inside.

2. No lock-ins

You can export your data anytime with a single click! Your memories, your rules.

3. You're in control

You can ask us to delete your data anytime. If you decide to leave Ente, we'll wipe your data from our servers.

4. Minimal data collection

We only collect what we absolutely need to run our service. No extras, no fluff.

5. Minimal third-party dependencies

We use trusted partners only where absolutely necessary. We rely on open-source tools and self-host them as much as possible.

We're fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means you have strong rights over your personal data, including the right to access, correct, or delete your information. We take these responsibilities seriously and have designed our systems to respect your privacy rights from the ground up.

7. We're here to help!

Got questions? Concerns? Just want to chat about privacy? Reach out to us at privacy@ente.com. You'll have a human responding to your queries!

Bottom line

At Ente, we believe your memories are yours alone. Our job is to keep them safe, private, and always available to you. We've built our entire company around this idea, and we're committed to being transparent about how we handle your data.

Thanks for trusting us with your memories.

- The Ente Team

P.S. For those who love the details, our full privacy policy is always available on our website. But we hope this simplified version helps you understand the core of what we're all about!

How to disable iCloud backups for Photos

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

You can export your data from iCloud and turn off automated backups with the following steps.

Exporting your data

You should first consider exporting all of the data that has already been backed up. To do this:

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Open Settings and tap your name
- Click on iCloud > Photos
- Select "Download and Keep Originals"
On your Mac, open the Photos app. Select the photos and videos you want to copy. Choose File > Export.

Disabling automatic iCloud backups

To stop Apple from automatically backing up your Photos from your iPhone to iCloud:

Open Settings and tap your name
Click on iCloud > Photos
Deselect "Sync this iPhone" to turn off iCloud Photos.

Removing already backed up data from iCloud

Finally to delete existing data that has already been backed up:

Click on "Manage Storage"
Click on "Turn Off & Delete from iCloud"

That's it, you're free! 🎉

If you're now looking to switch to an privacy-respecting, open-source, cross-platform alternative to Apple Photos, check out Ente!

How can I collect photos from a group?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

It is simple to collect photos from your friends and family using Ente, at the end of a wedding or birthday party or a trip. They don't need an Ente account, or even the Ente app.

Within the link sharing settings for a shared album, simply enable "Allow adding photos".

Once enabled, this will allow anyone with the link to add photos to your album. All your guests need is a web browser. They don't need an Ente account or app.

The experience of adding photos is simple, there is only one, direct, action - Add photos.

We will ask the uploader to enter a name so that for when multiple people add photos, you will be able to see at a glance who added which photo.

The full names are shown within the photo details. This information is stored end to end encrypted, and can only be viewed by people who have access to the photo.

This is the easiest and safest way for you to collect photos from guests at the end of a party or trip. They don't need an app, they don't need an account, and you get complete privacy and control over the photos you collect.

Wish you a ton of fun planning your event and collecting photos of your favorite moments! If you need any help, drop a mail to support@ente.com and we'll be happy to help!

Ente - Articles

iOS 27 AI Photo Editing and Why Originals Matter

The new AI editing tools in Apple Photos

Usage limits and future charges for AI editing

Where the AI processing happens

An AI label cannot replace the original

How to keep originals and AI edits in Ente

New Rules for iOS 27 Shared Albums

Who pays for iOS 27 Shared Albums

Temporary albums expire after 30 days

What happens to your older shared albums

Shared Albums still have a privacy gap

Let the link expire while you keep the photos

A plan for photos you want to keep

What do 10,000 photos say?

Back in February 2012, w0rmer was on a hacking spree.

If a picture tells a thousand words,

The first thing that appears is a map.

The second thing apparent is a network.

The third, and maybe the most gut-wrenching realization, is the story.

Google says that Photos data isn't used for ads.

Take control.

What Happens if You Lose Your Phone with 2FA on It?

The short answer

Step 1: Stop and assess

Step 2: Try to restore your codes first

Ente Auth

Google Authenticator (sync on)

Microsoft Authenticator (backup on)

Authy

Bitwarden Authenticator

Aegis or 2FAS without backup

Step 3: If you can't restore, recover account by account

Use your backup codes

Use account recovery

Prioritise

Step 4: Secure your old phone if findable

Step 5: Make sure this never happens again

Which apps survive a lost phone

How to Transfer Your 2FA Codes to a New Phone

The short version

Step 1: Find your app

Step 2: Transfer your codes

Google Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator

Aegis

2FAS

Bitwarden Authenticator

Ente Auth

Step 3: Test before wiping anything

Step 4: Already wiped your old phone?

The real fix: pick an app that handles this automatically

Google Photos Partner Sharing vs iCloud Shared Photo Library

How to Safely Share Your Kids' Photos With Family

What "safe photo sharing" actually means

What to look for in a family photo-sharing app

How the popular options compare

Why Ente Photos works well for this

Getting started on Ente

How to selectively back up specific albums on Apple Photos

Exporting Google Photos with Takeout

What is Google Takeout?

Migrating from Google Photos to Apple iCloud

Keeping a backup copy of your memories from Google Photos

Moving all your memories to another service

Moving your memories from Google Photos to Ente

Bonus: Permanently delete memories in Google Photos after exporting

Switching from Windows to Linux

Understanding GNU/Linux

Why make the switch to GNU/Linux?

Choosing your GNU/Linux distribution

Linux Mint: The Windows-like experience

Zorin OS: The Windows lookalike

Fedora: Bleeding Edge with Stability

Pop!_OS: For Creators and Gamers

Elementary OS: The macOS-like Experience

A note on Security

GNU/Linux friendly Laptops

Notable options:

Benefits of GNU/Linux-Friendly Laptops: