jest3r1

The fact that there are many "not worth mentioning" competitors building Dropbox alternatives (or add-ons) with E2E encryption may signal that there actually is a demand.

It's only a matter of time before one of these companies gets it "right".

Comment · 8 years ago

So, between the two of us, we've now come up with a number of competitors working on similar products that include E2E encryption. We both agree that these competitors still have work to do, in terms of implementing features and fine tuning performance. But they're not standing still.

The fact that both of us are actively using at least one alternative, in addition to Dropbox, proves my point. That E2E encryption (alternatives that offer better privacy) could be a threat to Dropbox, if and when the alternatives become a viable total replacement.

Comment · 8 years ago

> Curious, which competition?

I clearly outlined many competitors similar to Dbox that offer end-to-end encryption: (SpiderOak, Tresorit, Sync.com, pCloud). NextCloud (open source self-hosted Dropbox alternative) also just launched end-to-end encryption.

>Therefore I would trust Gmail more than I would trust Proton Mail.

Google: don't expect privacy when sending to Gmail: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/aug/14/google-gm...

Google terms of service: Our automated systems analyze your content (including emails) to provide you personally relevant product features, such as customized search results, tailored advertising, and spam and malware detection. This analysis occurs as the content is sent, received, and when it is stored. https://www.google.com/policies/terms/

Comment · 8 years ago

The risk factors fail to mention their inability to offer any kind of end-to-end encryption. Or that E2E encryption is the differentiator that most of their competitors offer.

Dropbox (employees and trusted third parties) will always have access to your files.

Before you downvote.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. They can deliver more features and better performance as a result. Reliability is key, and it's certainly easier to understand what users need, and to develop, implement and debug new features, when you've got access to the files users are storing.

But eventually, end-to-end encryption will take hold. It took decades for HTTPS to become the defacto standard, but it did. Email is moving that direction (Proton Mail, Tutanota). Text messaging is moving that direction (Signal, WhatsApp?). And there's a number of Dropbox competitors that are growing fast because of better privacy and E2E encryption (SpiderOak, Tresorit, Sync.com, pCloud). NextCloud (open source self-hosted Dropbox alternative) also just launched end-to-end encryption.

These companies have been slowly solving the problems that Drew claimed were impossible when Edward Snowden dropped the bomb. Meanwhile Dropbox has been pouring dollars into marketing and a Microsoft Office / OneNote / Google Docs competitor (Paper).

Drew's response to end-to-end encryption: https://techcrunch.com/2014/11/04/dropboxs-drew-houston-resp...

Dropbox risk factors (many unsolvable): https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1467623/000119312518...

I use Dropbox and feel the product is still the leader in terms of features, but I see the competition catching up, with better privacy (end-to-end encryption) built in.

Comment · 9 years ago

I wonder if Bitcoin has more utility (potential) compared to gold though?

For example, if you purchase SaaS products with Bitcoin, you don't need to trust that the service provider or their merchant provider will handle your personally identifiable information with care (eg. billing info), because you didn't have to provide the information.

Perhaps there are other utility uses for Bitcoin that will eventually lead to demand based on something more than fear?

Comment · 9 years ago

Try Firefox Focus.

Comment · 9 years ago

The touch bar will evolve into a touch screen keyboard.