FlyingCarpet

FlyingCarpet is an open-source cross-platform app that enables file transfers between different operating systems. It allows users to move files between Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows without requiring a shared wireless network, cell connection, or existing network infrastructure. The tool is specifically designed for situations where users lack a physical flash drive or need to move files larger than 2GB between different filesystems without setting up a permanent network share.

The application is available as a mobile app for Android and iOS, and as a desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. On desktop platforms, it is distributed via installers such as .msi and .dmg files, as well as standalone executables and AppImages. Linux users on Debian-based distributions can install the software using .deb packages via dpkg. The tool operates by establishing a direct connection between two devices with WiFi chips in close range.

Key features

• Transfers files over ad hoc WiFi without needing a router
• Supports cross-platform transfers between Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
• Uses Bluetooth for transfer negotiation to simplify connectivity
• Encrypts data using AES-GCM for secure transit
• Provides standalone executable versions for desktop operating systems
• Supports large file transfers exceeding 2GB
• Integrates with Homebrew for macOS installation

The software is built using a combination of Rust and Tauri for the desktop GUI, while the Android version is written in Kotlin. The networking components for Windows utilize tokio and windows-rs to handle low-level system calls. Because the tool creates its own ad hoc network, it disables the active wireless internet connection on most platforms during use, though this does not apply to Windows or Android when they are hosting the hotspot. Due to Apple system restrictions, iOS devices cannot programmatically run hotspots and can only transfer files to and from non-Apple devices.

FlyingCarpet serves as a utility for users who need a direct, wireless method to move data between heterogeneous devices in close proximity without relying on cloud services or local network administration.