Photobase: A Better Photo App, Away From Big Tech
Tags: mobile, startup, android, ios
Published: 2024-01-31 00:26:48

The way we capture, organize and interact with our photos is in dire need of transformation. 

Google Photos and Apple Photos dominate this space, leveraging the control of their respective software platforms (Android and iOS). Google even offered [unlimited storage](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-photos-unlimited-free-storage-is-gone-heres-how-to-get-more-space/#google_vignette) for free for an extended period, which stifled innovation and hindered competition in this area.

Both [Google](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/21/technology/google-surveillance-toddler-photo.html) and [Apple](https://www.rd.com/article/apple-scanning-photos/) have recently faced controversies over privacy issues related to these services. Furthermore, switching photo backup providers is not a straightforward task for users. Although recent developments like the [Data Transfer Initiative](https://dtinit.org/) are promising, they remain too complex and bureaucratic for small startups to easily become viable alternatives in the near future.

Once pioneers in photo management, they have now become symbols of stagnation, evidenced by recent feedback on the app stores.


![Play store review](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/w33cjigw67wk4msnaudm.png)

![Play store review](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/s0ho8gfybrpmv9epk0uu.png)


![App store review](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/jxtar3n4c5wtj516w8q3.png)



## Is Photobase a new Photo App? What about the startups who failed before?

Many have attempted in the past but ceased operations ([1](https://techcrunch.com/2011/04/26/15-years-of-photo-sharing-exits-vs-youtube/), [2](https://www.theverge.com/2015/2/2/7964663/why-every-photo-storage-startup-dies-or-gets-acquired), [3](https://www.theverge.com/2015/2/2/7964663/why-every-photo-storage-startup-dies-or-gets-acquired)).

Photobase is targeting a niche of people who care about privacy and a delightful app experience for managing their photos. This segment may not be large enough to spawn the next tech unicorn, but it has the potential to support a sustainable lifestyle business from day one if executed correctly.

Photobase is being started as a bootstrapped side project, with complete independence to implement the vision with the support of early adopters.

## What's the plan?
Photobase is introducing a comprehensive end-to-end solution for photo management, with native mobile applications for Android and iOS. It prioritizes real privacy and user data ownership, without compromising the quality of the app experience expected from modern photo management applications.

### Your data is yours
Photobase is a privacy-first mobile app. Users retain their encryption keys, and only encrypted data blobs, rather than actual images, are stored in cloud backups. Smart search and AI functions are processed locally on the device, given that the server can't access any of the user photos or videos.

### Fast apps with thoughtful design and customizable controls
I care about app speed and user experience. A lot. Enough to make it the most important aspect of how Photobase works (without compromising privacy). The focus will be to give users more control and create better interfaces for the app's main tasks.


![Early designs](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/07os2eyercnluv8dh1b8.png)



### Export it anytime, easily
Photobase emphasizes interoperability and easy data export, featuring robust APIs and tools to assist users and other companies in transitioning away from the app anytime.

## How can you help?
The need for a new photo management app is clear – one that not only adapts to the current digital landscape but also shapes its future.

You can help by suggesting features, reporting what you don't like in other photo apps and linking me with other people who might be interested to be an early adopter.

If you're interested, message me on [Twitter/X](https://twitter.com/tgloureiro) or access [photobase.app](https://photobase.app) to join the waitlist.