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Decimen Lets You Send Files Through Light, Not a Network (linuxiac.com)
submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by new_otters_raft@piefed.ca to c/technology@lemmy.world
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I'm not sure when I'd use this, but its a neat concept

Decimen is an open-source web app that moves files between devices through an animated QR stream, requiring no direct network connection, pairing, account, or native app.

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[-] deranger@sh.itjust.works 34 points 6 days ago

Wi-Fi is already using light to transmit digital data. Shit, radio was transmitting data using binary with Morse code in 1895, also using light waves. Radio requires no direct connection, pairing, account, or apps.

[-] Uli@sopuli.xyz 30 points 6 days ago

I don't trust invisible light. If that light had nothing to hide, it would be on the visible spectrum.

[-] new_otters_raft@piefed.ca 7 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

I wouldn't use this day to day, but what I found cool was:

  • it doesn't require cables or any additional equipment (including routers, cell towers)
  • it can't be detected by anything, assuming you toss a blanket over the transfer

The downside is that if you wanted to get it truly offline, you would need to have ~~the~~ an app installed on both devices ahead of time, if I understood it correctly. (Edit: bolded bits are new)

It did lead to some fun discussion in this thread :)

[-] ExcessShiv@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

The downside is that you need to have the app installed on both devices ahead of time, if I understood it correctly.

You did not. It's a web application, it even says so in the snippet you used for the post. It runs directly in the browser, no need to install anything.

[-] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 4 points 6 days ago

So you need to be connected in order to grab the application. Or you need a local cache (similar to installing the software).

[-] new_otters_raft@piefed.ca 0 points 6 days ago

That's my bad for writing it poorly. I meant to say that about the premise of not needing internet, since someone who has internet on both devices might have better ways to transfer the files.

Someone would need to plan ahead and install the PWA (or some compatible tool) in order for this to work

[-] tias@discuss.tchncs.de 6 points 6 days ago

But it's light arranged in a specific pattern!

[-] frongt@lemmy.zip 0 points 6 days ago

Radio and light are different parts of the EM spectrum

[-] deranger@sh.itjust.works 7 points 6 days ago

No, radio is light. They’re all light waves from gamma rays to radio waves. Not visible light, but light nevertheless.

this post was submitted on 05 Aug 2026
102 points (94.0% liked)

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