We've created a "How it works" page explaining the relay server, mobile app, and how they work together. Check it out to see how #Holos works!
holos
Sorry, we're a bit behind on our release schedule. We still have a bug with mentions that will be fixed tomorrow.
However, we've introduced a complete cloud backup system. You can connect to NextCloud/WebDAV or any S3-compatible storage.
New update for #Holos beta testers:
- Fixed bug with mentions
- Fixed Local Timeline
- Fixed DM
- Export/Sync data (local + cloud)
- Customize theme
- Other minor fixes
Download: https://framadrive.org/s/pZAsW8NRQKrcLc5
Holos RC-1 has been published. You can now send E2EE DMs over ActivityPub to other #Holos users.
Lots of changes and improvements to discover here: https://codeberg.org/tom79/Holos-App/releases/tag/rc-1
Download: https://framadrive.org/s/X6AwN2wCGorrKPF
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Edit - new apk that fixes tunnel connection delays
#Holos is a new social network working with #ActivityPub. This is not an app where you can connect your Mastodon, Pixelfed or PeerTube account.
There is no web version and no API because the ActivityPub server runs on the device itself. That's the whole challenge behind this project.
If there is more engagement, I plan to build a desktop version and even sync between different devices.
The official account for all announcements is @HolosSocial
I've started exploring a desktop version of #Holos, and early tests are promising. It will be available soon for Windows, Linux and macOS
I will also work on the relay so it accepts several devices linked to a single account. Each device recovers its keys locally from the encrypted backup using the passphrase, and stays in sync through the relay. The relay only routes encrypted blobs, it cannot read the keys, followers or posts. Of course, it would remain up to users to decide.
New #Holos release for beta testers with several fixes:
- All timeline and mention bugs should be fixed
- Post in Markdown
- Language picker with filter when composing
- Replace social media URLs with privacy-friendly frontends (Invidious, etc.)
- Rebuild your database from your inbox in settings
...
(more to discover)
=> Next step: Speed up the sync batch process.
For those wondering how #Holos works - running an ActivityPub server directly on your device - here's an explanation:
https://holos.social/how-it-works
Keep in mind: the relay never knows your private key that signs your activities. Your data stays on your phone, you keep control. Even if the relay goes down or blocks you, you can migrate with your identity and followers to another relay.
We released the source code of the #Holos app: https://codeberg.org/tom79/Holos-App/
@HolosSocial
In the next #Holos release: post expiration. When composing, you can set a lifetime for your post, from 1 hour to 90 days.
The post will be deleted at minimum after the chosen time, since the app needs to be open and connected to send the Delete activity to other instances.
Still a handy tool if you don't want your posts to last forever.
In the next release of #Holos, Bloom filters will be enabled by default (can be disabled). This allows the relay to deliver only activities that matter to you, without ever knowing who you follow. In practice, this reduces data transfer around 97%, since only about 3% of activities are typically relevant during a sync.
The public timeline is replaced by a discover timeline tailored to your interests.
New release for #Holos (beta-4)
Improvements
- Faster app startup and sync
- Faster thread loading when opening from notifications
- Data export now includes full activity history
- Booster names display correctly for all Mastodon users
Bug Fixes
- GIF keyboard now preserves reply context
- Like and boost counters persist correctly after navigating away
- Interactions between users on the same server now work properly
- Consistent mention formatting in posts
#Holos detects ActivityPub message types and adapts the display accordingly. For example, event posts highlight event-specific data like dates, location, and description.
New release for #Holos (beta-5):
- Push notifications now working with UnifiedPush/Sunup
- DMs no longer incorrectly shown as mentions
- Replies include all mentioned people
- Fixed display and voting on polls
- Likes/boosts/replies counts now update correctly
- Quotes now display correctly
- Backups can now run in background and be saved directly to device
- Database cleanup options to reduce backup size
Download: https://framadrive.org/s/yoQS2AwWHe2mjHb
Every day, #Holos proves you can run your own ActivityPub server on your phone. We approached the problem differently: instead of copying existing platforms, you're in control. No imposed style - not Twitter-like, Instagram-like, or YouTube-like. Enjoy everything the Fediverse offers and contribute your way.
#Holos currently limits posts to 4 media attachments, 4 poll options, and disallows polls with media to match Mastodon's UI. However, these restrictions don't exist in ActivityPub itself. We'll be removing these artificial limits soon. Other servers (Pleroma, Akkoma, Misskey) already support more media, more poll options, and polls with attachments. There's no technical reason to restrict what the protocol explicitly allows.
Currently, our #Holos relay server is hosted on our main server alongside all our other projects. With the #FDroid launch underway, we're considering running a fundraiser to cover the costs of a dedicated server for this flagship project. We want to find the right balance: neither oversizing the infrastructure nor underestimating our needs. This would be our first fundraiser dedicated to a specific project, and we welcome all your feedback. Thank you
#Holos beta-7 is live:
- Fix poll votes being stored as empty replies
- Add cancel follow request button
- Fix instant UI update when editing posts
- Add bell notification for followed accounts
- Fix follows on same relay (server side)
#Holos runs its own ActivityPub server on your phone. The relay temporarily stores activities until acknowledged, then deletes them.
Following/followers data is critical if you lose your local database. Should the relay keep these activities as backup (marked processed but retained) while your account is active?
Options: (choose one)
New release #Holos beta-8
- Fixed profile loading for users on the same server
- Added confirmation dialog when canceling follow requests
- Improved app performance and reduced loading times
- Fixed backup memory issues on large databases
- Home timeline now hides replies by default
- Added automatic cloud backup after sync
- Fixed notification sounds
- Fixed thread display issues
- Various bug fixes and stability improvements
Download: https://framadrive.org/s/XSgeENDcrrHHLFS
When you're offline, you can still read your timeline and interact with posts. Actions are queued and will be sent automatically once you're back online. You can check the pending actions queue anytime and cancel any action before it's sent. #Holos
We're expanding beta testing for #Holos on Android before the public release.
Quick reminder: Holos runs a full ActivityPub server on your phone, your data stays with you.
Learn more: https://holos.social/how-it-works
Dedicated account: @HolosSocial
Interested? Let us know! iOS coming next.