I'm building Setu, an Android app focused on sharing with nearby devices, and I'm opening the Google Play Closed Beta to a small group of early testers.
Beta access: https://setu.devamit.co.in/
This is an independent product I'm developing with a long-term interest in local-first software, device-to-device communication, thoughtful mobile UX, and open-source development.
I'd like to invite both Android users who can test the app and developers interested in following the project's technical journey.
Why Setu?
A lot of everyday sharing experiences assume that cloud services and a working internet connection are always available.
But if two devices are nearby, there are good reasons to explore a different approach: keep the experience local where possible, reduce unnecessary dependence on cloud infrastructure, and make the interface feel like a carefully designed part of the operating system rather than an afterthought.
That's the direction behind Setu.
The current Android app brings together its sharing experience, media entry points, dedicated content areas, and a distinctive visual identity. The wider goal is to develop a cooperative, local-first approach to nearby content sharing over time.
What you can try today
The current app includes these areas:
- Share and Receive: the central sharing workflow being validated with real devices.
- Gallery and Camera: media-related entry points.
- Spaces: an area for shared content.
- Vault: a dedicated area for private files.
- Swarm pool: an early part of the broader cooperative-content direction.
- Light and dark themes: a warm coral palette, restrained surfaces, considered typography, and custom app artwork.
I'm intentionally focusing on testing the experience that exists today rather than advertising unfinished capabilities as if they're already complete.
Different Android manufacturers, OS versions, and network environments can behave differently. That's precisely why real-device feedback matters.
Design is part of the product
Setu's interface uses a deliberately restrained visual language: soft neutral surfaces, coral accents, smooth squircle geometry, carefully chosen typography, and a consistent light/dark theme.
The aim isn't to make every screen visually complicated. It's to make the product feel cohesive, calm, and easy to understand.
I'm keeping the visual identity and navigation intentional while working through practical questions around usability and device compatibility.
The open-source direction
I also intend to make Setu open source.
I want the project to become something developers can learn from: a place to explore mobile architecture, local-first design decisions, native Android integration, and the engineering trade-offs involved in building a device-to-device sharing experience.
The project is still evolving, so I won't claim that every part of the broader vision is already implemented or ready for contribution. I'll share the code and contribution details as the open-source release is prepared.
Help test Setu on a real Android device
I'm looking for a small group of people who can do more than register.
If you join, please:
- Visit https://setu.devamit.co.in/
- Select Continue with Google.
- Use the Google account associated with your Play Store.
- Wait for me to coordinate your Google Play Closed Testing invitation.
- Join the testing track, install Setu, and open it.
- Try the available features and report anything confusing or broken.
Google sign-in on the beta website is for coordinating access. It does not automatically add you to the Play testing track, and there is no separate registration form to fill in.
Your Google profile name and email are used for beta coordination. Please read the privacy policy before signing up: https://setu.devamit.co.in/privacy
What feedback would help most?
You don't need to be a developer to help. Useful feedback includes:
- Your Android device model and Android version.
- Whether installation and first launch worked.
- Which screens were easy or difficult to understand.
- What happened when you tried the available sharing workflows.
- Any errors, freezes, unexpected behaviour, or visual problems.
- A short description of what you expected to happen versus what actually happened.
Please don't send private files or sensitive personal information as test material.
Join the early group
If you have an Android phone and are willing to test the app properly, I'd love to have you involved.
Join the Setu beta: https://setu.devamit.co.in/
I'll personally coordinate invitations after sign-up. A small group of engaged testers can make a real difference to the quality of an independent project.
Thanks for helping me build Setu.
Tags: android reactnative opensource mobile
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