The Nextcloud Podcast

Julien Veyssier, a software engineer with a passion for open-source and AI, shares his journey from community contributor to a key player at Nextcloud. He reveals how his PhoneTrack app saved a family during an emergency and discusses the philosophical divide between open source and free software. Julien emphasizes the importance of publishing ideas early for community feedback and reflects on the merits and risks of AI in development. His insights into building collaborative tools illustrate the powerful impact of community-driven software.

Max Schrems, a renowned privacy lawyer and founder of NOYB, dives into critical topics surrounding EU data privacy and surveillance law. He discusses the implications of the new Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework and reflects on 15 years of debates regarding EU-US data transfers. Max emphasizes the need for tech-neutral regulations to foster innovation and prevent abuse while advocating for individual rights in the face of data as a powerful currency. He also shares insights into NOYB's commitment to self-hosting for enhanced data privacy.

Tobias Knöppler, maintainer of the NextcloudPi project and open-source advocate, teams up with volunteer contributor James Sundquist to explore self-hosting simplicity. They delve into NextcloudPi's mission to democratize cloud services on budget hardware like Raspberry Pi. Topics include performance trade-offs, community support avenues, and the shift towards managed self-hosting with user-friendly interfaces. With plans for Docker integration and enhanced onboarding features, they aim to make NextcloudPi even more accessible for everyone.

Nimisha Vijay, a designer with a passion for usability and accessibility, joins to share her insights on collaboration within app design. She discusses her journey from contributor to full-time designer at Nextcloud. Listeners will learn about the team's role in enhancing user experience and visual appeal, their weekly design review process, and accessibility improvements in Hub 3. Nimisha also emphasizes the importance of community feedback and offers tips for contributing meaningfully to design and development.

In this discussion, Frank Karlitschek, Founder and CEO of Nextcloud, dives into the company's recent accomplishments and initiatives. He elaborates on Nextcloud's support for OpenForum Europe and the importance of privacy in the digital landscape. Karlitschek addresses concerns over Microsoft 365's GDPR compliance and discusses recent government bans on major cloud services. He also highlights innovations in Nextcloud Hub 24 and the community's growth. The conversation wraps up with insights on decentralization and upcoming developments in Nextcloud Social.

Daphne Muller, Support lead at Nextcloud and a privacy researcher known for her TEDx talk 'privacy is progress', joins to share her insights. She discusses the importance of minimal data collection for better innovation and healthier business models. Daphne critiques the reliance on big data in design, advocating for a 'zero data' approach. Exploring the environmental impact of excessive data, she highlights the need for privacy-respecting companies. Ultimately, she envisions a shift toward privacy-first technology and practical solutions for users to reduce their dependence on Big Tech.

Marie Gutbub, Manager at Prototype Fund, shares valuable insights on securing funding for innovative open-source projects. She explains the core mission of the Prototype Fund and offers guidance on the application process. Max and Jonas dive into the development of the Collectives app, highlighting its evolution into a real-time collaborative tool. The guests discuss the importance of maintaining independence during prototyping and the benefits of community support, leaving listeners invigorated to explore funding opportunities.

Galina Goduhina, Head of Sales and Partner Relations at ONLYOFFICE, shares insights on the platform's extensive capabilities and its rapid growth with millions of users. She delves into deployment options, including cloud data residency choices and security features like end-to-end encryption. Galina highlights the seamless integration with Nextcloud and explains the differences between ONLYOFFICE and competitors like MS Office and LibreOffice. Listeners will also learn about the roadmap, including exciting upcoming features and how real-time co-editing works.

Matthieu Gallien, a Senior Software Engineer and tech lead for the Nextcloud Desktop Client, dives into the fascinating world of file syncing and encryption. He explains how the client integrates beyond mere file storage, covering new features like Virtual Files and end-to-end encryption. Matthieu also discusses the importance of user feedback in UI design, and the innovative use of C++ for cross-platform development. He shares insights on the monthly release agenda and the roadmap for future collaboration features and stability improvements.

Nimisha Vijay, UX and UI Designer at Nextcloud, shares her journey from contributor to employee in the open-source design community. She emphasizes the importance of usability and consistency across apps, and how user feedback shapes her design process. Nimisha discusses her hands-on approach to learning, including using tools like Penpot for prototyping. She offers insights into the collaborative nature of UX, connecting users with developers, and encourages aspiring designers to engage with open-source projects for real-world experience.