Solin app for meetings

[Fabio G]

I recently came across an app to help with the operational side of the meeting and thought it looked interesting. Does anyone here know it or can say if it’s any good?

 

https://solinav.vercel.app/

[Qapla]

I don't know anything about it. I'm not going to download an app from a page that is only for the d/l link and says nothing about the app. No screen shots, detailed descriptions or any other information ...

[Fabio G]

6 minutes ago, Qapla said:

I don't know anything about it. I'm not going to download an app from a page that is only for the d/l link and says nothing about the app. No screen shots, detailed descriptions or any other information ...

There is actually, it’s right below the download button "explore features"

 

https://solinav.vercel.app/features/

 

 

I’d like to try it first, but I only have Linux, and the app is only available for Windows (at least for now)

[dljbsp]

1 hour ago, Qapla said:

No screen shots, detailed descriptions or any other information

There is now. 

 

[dljbsp]

It seems like it’s mainly designed for audio/video use, and it does look interesting. At the same time, JW Library already covers most of what we need in that area—maybe not every single feature, but it really does a lot.

 

Also, Jehovah’s organization has provided clear direction on how audio and video are handled at meetings, with JW Library being the primary tool used. So while tools like this can seem helpful, they’re not really intended for use in that setting. And even in other situations, any third-party tools would still need to meet the guidelines that have been provided by the organization that gives us our spiritual food at the proper time.

[Fabio G]

25 minutes ago, dljbsp said:

It seems like it’s mainly designed for audio/video use, and it does look interesting. At the same time, JW Library already covers most of what we need in that area—maybe not every single feature, but it really does a lot.

 

Also, Jehovah’s organization has provided clear direction on how audio and video are handled at meetings, with JW Library being the primary tool used. So while tools like this can seem helpful, they’re not really intended for use in that setting. And even in other situations, any third-party tools would still need to meet the guidelines that have been provided by the organization that gives us our spiritual food at the proper time.

Yes, even though there isn’t any explicit prohibition on using third-party apps. It seems to be in line with JW’s terms of use. Either way, keeping an app like Solin as a backup in case you need it, and using JW as your main one, sounds like a good approach. I just think it could be a solid alternative to Meeting Media Manager.

 

[Qapla]

Since I use "Dark Mode", this is what I see on the original link:

 

 

 

With the "Explore features" is in the same dim color and under the version number, I didn't really see it

 

 

 

Edited 23 hours ago by Qapla

[Michał]

No info about privacy policy, ownership, data handling etc makes it a red flag or early development version. 

[Fabio G]

1 hour ago, Michał said:

No info about privacy policy, ownership, data handling etc makes it a red flag or early development version. 

The app doesn’t ask for any setup or extra info—you just download it and start using it right away. That said, it really should still have something in place regarding a privacy policy. I’m guessing it’s missing because this is a very early version; the congregation where I saw it mentioned they got a welcome message when they first opened it, saying it was the first release.

As for ownership, it’s possible the creator (or creators) just doesn’t want to make a big deal out of it or show off like “hey, look what I made.” I also checked Solin on VirusTotal, and it came back completely clean and safe.

 

Anyway, I’ll try reaching out through the contact page to see if I can get more information.

[Fabio G]

1 hour ago, Fabio G said:

Anyway, I’ll try reaching out through the contact page to see if I can get more information.

I sent a message through the contact page and got a quick reply. Here’s what I sent:

 

Hello Solin Team,

 

I recently came across your app and I think the concept is excellent. A dedicated audio and video tool for the meetings is incredibly useful and could be a huge help. Kudos on the initiative! I can only imagine how much work goes into building something like this, especially since it seems to still be in the development phase.

 

Since I am very careful about the software I install and recommend to the brothers, I took the liberty of running the installer through VirusTotal. I was glad to see it came back 100% clean (0/70), which speaks highly of your technical care.

 

However, since the current website focuses mostly on the download and features, I noticed a few important details were missing that would make me feel completely confident in using and sharing the app. Would you mind clarifying a few points for me?

 

* Privacy Policy and Data Handling: How is user data handled? Does the app use its own servers, and do they record or store any meeting data? Do you currently have a formal Privacy Policy document available?

* Ownership and Team: Who is behind the development of Solin? Is it a personal project by a fellow brother, a group of developers, or is it tied to a specific company?

* Code/Security: Is the project closed-source, or do you plan to make the code available on GitHub (or a similar platform) in the future for community auditing?

 

I am asking this purely for the sake of transparency and security, as we are dealing with the privacy of a lot of people during the meetings.

 

Thank you in advance for your time and attention!

 

Warm regards,

Fábio Guimarães

 

 

 

 

O que foi respondido:

Subject: Re: Questions about Solin App - Privacy, Team, and Security

 

Hello Fábio,

 

Thank you so much for your kind words and for reaching out! I also deeply respect and appreciate your diligence in running the installer through VirusTotal. When it comes to tools used by our brothers and sisters, security and privacy are absolutely paramount, so your questions are not only understandable but very welcome.

 

To give you complete peace of mind, here are the transparent answers to your questions:

* Privacy Policy and Data Handling: You will be happy to know that Solin does not collect or transmit any usage data or personal information. Everything runs locally on your PC. Since the app and website are still in active development, I haven't had the time yet to draft and publish a formal Privacy Policy page, but the rule is simple: your data is yours.

 

Regarding network activity, the app makes only two external connections (GET requests) to the Solin server for maintenance purposes:

1. Version check: To verify if there are updates available. This sends an anonymous UUID (a random string generated locally, with no link to your identity or hardware) simply so the system can count how many active and unique versions are running.

2. Global notifications: To fetch important general system announcements and keep users informed.

 

No telemetry, tracking, or meeting data is sent over the network.

 

*Ownership and Team:* Solin is a 100% non-profit, personal project. There is no company or large organization behind it. It is developed and maintained exclusively by me, a fellow brother from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

*Code/Security:* The project is, and will remain, closed-source. While I understand the appeal of a community audit via open-source, keeping the code closed is a deliberate decision based on a few main reasons:

- Security and Preventing Misuse: It prevents bad actors from taking the code to create malicious clones or fake versions that could spread misinformation while posing as the original app.

- Quality Control: It allows me to maintain complete control over the project's direction, avoiding fragmented versions (forks) and ensuring a consistent and safe experience for everyone.

- Time Management: As a solo developer, managing an open-source project (reviewing third-party code and keeping constant public documentation) consumes a lot of time. Keeping the code closed allows me to focus my limited free time directly on improving the app.

 

That being said, I am always open to feedback and suggestions for improvement through this contact channel!

 

I hope this clarifies how Solin works behind the scenes and gives you the necessary confidence to use and recommend it. Once again, thank you for your care for the brothers and sisters, and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful email.

 

Warm regards,

 

Alexsander

Solin Developer