I have so many reasons why I surf the net for new projects, it's either I'm searching for an alternative application to replace the ones I have installed or I totally need something new on my device.
I could still recall the very app I used on my first Android device for transferring files, it's called Flashshare.
Everyone using Android device back then appreciated its functions. But as time goes on, I noticed almost every of my clique switched from Flashshare to Xender. I have never discussed or asked them why did they switch from Flashshare to Xender. But I'm very sure they love the whole idea about Xender because I did love it too.
You might want to ask; why did I switch from Flashshare to Xender?
Well, I noticed that Flashshare disconnects any connected device anytime I minimize it during file transfer but Xender doesn't. Due to that reason, I chose Xender as my default file transferring app.
In today's article, I will be introducing to you another awesome file sharing Android application that I find even more interesting and useful than Xender.
TrebleShot
TrebleShot is an open-source Android project owned by the developer named Genonbeta. He defined TrebleShot as an Android tool for transferring files between two devices or more.
If you've used and understood how Flashshare or Xender works, then I'm pretty sure you'll also get the logic behind TrebleShot. I have personally given TrebleShot a definition, as a better and more advanced tool to when compared to Flashshare and Xender.
The reason behind my definition is the same reason I switched from the common transferring tool on every Android device to TrebleShot. For you to understand how TrebleShot functions, it'd be nice if you get it installed from Playstore or click Here to directly download the latest Apk version which was officially released a day ago as of when I published this post.
On launching TrebleShot after installation, I noticed that the developer welcomed me with a text and the app logo, suggesting me to set up the permission needed for TrebleShot to work as intended, set up my device/account name, make the app mine by customizing it the way I want.
These procedures are common on both Flashshare and Xender, except the ability for users to customize TrebleShot the way they want.
The ability given to me to customize the interface is enough reason for me to rate TrebleShot a +1 over other similar applications. Yes! The customization feature isn't available on Flashshare and Xender.
Being able to customize an app the way I want it, is also a good reason for me to switch away from the old app to the friendly app.
User Interfaces
- Profile
The profile section is common on both TrebleShot and other similar applications. They both have the same style of navigation, as you can see from the images below. TrebleShot profile page holds the button that lets users connect to their PC to transfer files, share TrebleShot via Bluetooth or other applications and a unique feature option to turn on/off Trustzone. I will explain the Trustzone feature as we discuss more on TrebleShot functionalities.
TrebleShot
Xender
- Transfers
The transfer page on both applications looks very similar. I don't think this should be a reason for anyone to dump Xender for TrebleShot, as both pages display the history of transfers.
TrebleShot
Xender
- Explorer
The explorer on TrebleShot is somewhat more unique than Xender's. It doesn't just pop up a different type of file on the screen when trying to send to other devices. Instead, it shows the shortcuts of every file types, allowing you to create a shortcut of these folders on your home screen, or change the folder path where every received file is saved.
I prefer to refer to the explorer interface as a file and folder manager. Because, it gives me access to create, change, delete and rename folders and files.
TrebleShot
Xender
Why Did I Dump Xender For Trebleshot?
Yes! Finally, the question is here. I have been waiting for this part of this article because I'm ready to share the main reason I have been hyping TrebleShot.
Despite the awesome features discussed in previous paragraphs, the Textstream feature on TrebleShot is the main reason I made TrebleShot my default mobile application for transferring files.
- Textstream
Textstream is a feature that has re-branded TrebleShot to more of like a chat and text editing app. Textstream is an interface that lets a user type, save and share text with any available connection or apps installed on the same device.
With Textstream interface on TrebleShot, I was able to instantly chat with other devices connected to the same network. Another awesome feature of Textstream is the ability to save texts.
I was able to turn a file sharing app to a text editing app. Every text typed and saved on the app is locally saved to its folder directory with a .txt file format.
Currently, Textstream features are so unique because I haven't seen or used it on Xender or Flashshare.
Are There Other Features Present In TrebleShot That Xender Or Flashshare Lacks?
Yes, of course, There are still more features I used that I'm sure everyone that uses TrebleShot will also love. For example, anytime I receive a file from a device, notification tends to pop-up and it gives a sound which is annoying or disturbing sometimes. This is the same reason the developer introduced Trustzone feature to the app.
The Trustzone option prevents notifications from being prompted every time I receive a file from certain devices, I can turn it on and mark those devices as TrustZone device.
One other unique feature on TrebleShot is the style of selecting files to send. It's possible to spend 3mins or more selecting 100 files on Xender, but it takes less than 1min to select the same amount of files on TrebleShot. Check out the gifs(s) for their different styles.
TrebleShot
Xender
Settings/Preference
There are no much differences between Xender and TrebleShot settings page, they both have options to change themes, show or hide system files or folders. The only option missing in Xender is the option to change text font, which is available one TrebleShot.
Project Overview
When I looked at the developer's GitHub profile, I found out that TrebleShot is the only open project he has been working on. For a developer to have a single project on his profile, then it means he's really putting all of his time to it.
In less than two weeks, he has been able to release three stable versions of TrebleShot (V1.2.9, V1.2.10 & V1.3.0) and a pre-release.
In version V1.2.9, he announced the development of a desktop version of TrebleShot. He also added a new feature to show transfer status of a specific receiver, fixed The bug where hotshot randomly turns off and other UI improvements.
V1.2.10 consists of two new features and a bug fix. The two new features are; Introduction of black theme and the unique feature of hold & swipe to select. The only fix in this version is the drives fix, where they are not being able to be mounted.
The latest version is V1.3.0 which was released on the 16th of March 2019, where he added a new feature to toggle TrustZone from the home navigation drawer and improved the text layout for the Textstream.
I am very pleased with TrebleShot development. The most interesting part is the development of a desktop client for TrebleShot.
Conclusion
Are you still yet to install TrebleShot? If yes, then I'm wondering what you're waiting for.
Start using TrebleShot today for file transfers, text editing and chat with the available device on the same connection.