TL;DR: Packets is a new open-source Linux app that seamlessly integrates with Android’s Quick Share, making wireless file transfers between your phone and Linux desktop as smooth as AirDrop on Mac.
The Problem We’ve All Faced. If you’re a Linux user with an Android phone, you’ve probably felt the pain of clunky file transfers. While iPhone users enjoy seamless AirDrop integration with macOS, and Windows recently got official Quick Share support, Linux users have been left out in the cold – until now.
Enter Packets: The Game Changer
Packets is a partial implementation of Google’s Quick Share protocol that lets you send and receive files wirelessly from Android devices using Quick Share. Built with Rust and GTK4, this isn’t just another file transfer utility – it’s a proper integration with Android’s native sharing system.
What Makes Packets Special
Native Integration: Unlike other solutions that require custom apps on both ends, Packets works directly with your Android device’s built-in Quick Share. No additional Android apps needed!
True Wireless Transfer: Uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks that support mDNS (Multicast DNS), which most modern wi-fi networks do.
Intuitive Interface: The Linux experience mirrors what you’d expect – drag and drop files or use the file picker to send, while Android users simply use the familiar share button and select Quick Share.
Also Read:
- Will Google’s Quick Share finally rival Apple’s Airdrop in user experience?
- KDE Connect could be coming to Windows
How It Works
The setup is refreshingly simple:
- Prerequisites: Both devices need Bluetooth enabled and connection to the same Wi-Fi network
- From Linux: Drag and drop files into Packets or use the file picker, then select your Android device
- From Android: Use the standard share menu, select Quick Share, and choose your Linux machine
Getting Packets
The app is available as a Flatpak from Flathub, making installation straightforward across Linux distributions. There are also nightly builds available for those who want to try the latest features.
Since it’s open-source (available on GitHub), the community can contribute to its development and ensure it stays compatible with Android’s evolving Quick Share protocol.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about convenience – it’s about Linux desktop legitimacy. When basic interoperability features like this exist, it removes one more barrier for people considering the switch to Linux. No more emailing files to yourself or hunting for USB cables.
For existing Linux users, Packets finally delivers the seamless cross-device experience we’ve been waiting for. It’s the kind of “it just works” functionality that makes daily computing more pleasant.
The Bottom Line
Packets fills a crucial gap in the Linux ecosystem. If you use both Linux and Android, this app is absolutely worth trying. It’s one of those utilities that, once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Install it today and experience the wireless file sharing Linux users deserve.
Packets is available now on Flathub. Search for “Packet” in your software center or visit the project’s GitHub page for more information.
About Clinton Madegwa
I'm a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I'm not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you'll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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