KoalaSync

KoalaSync

KoalaSync is a minimalist, privacy-first browser extension and relay server designed for synchronized video playback across various platforms including YouTube, Netflix, Emby, and general HTML5 videos. Emphasizing data sovereignty and performance, this innovative tool ensures that users can enjoy their favorite videos in perfect harmony without compromising on security.

🌟 Key Advantages

• Security-First Approach: Features a volatile RAM-based relay with brute-force protection and no session logs, guaranteeing user anonymity while tracking only server health using aggregated, anonymous metrics.
• Direct Logic for Reliable Syncing: Utilizes a manual Socket.IO wire implementation, ensuring seamless synchronization across connected devices.
• Clean Build: Operates without dependencies, offering a lightweight extension runtime that minimizes library overhead.
• Universal Compatibility: Supports synchronization on any website featuring a <video> tag, enhancing versatility.

✨ Key Features

• Global Synchronization: Effortlessly synchronize play, pause, and seek functionalities on any site with a video tag.
• Episode Auto-Sync: Automatically aligns episodes during binge-watching sessions.
• Smart Matching: Highlights browser tabs with matching video titles for easy navigation.
• Dual Heartbeat Architecture: Prevents ghost rooms and stale connections for reliable session management.
• Efficient Relay: Ensures minimal overhead in WebSocket message forwarding, enhancing performance.
• Seamless Invitations: Generate smart links that configure server and room details for easy sharing with others.
• Smart Audio Compressor: Automatically balances audio levels to eliminate significant volume fluctuations, allowing for a customized listening experience.

🌐 Localization & Translations

KoalaSync’s interface is fully localized, supporting 15 languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and more. Users can switch languages dynamically in the extension settings, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. Community contributions for translations are welcome.

🛠️ For Developers & Self-Hosters

The repository features a structured layout:

• extension/: The browser extension code for Chrome and Firefox.
• server/: Node.js and Socket.IO relay server.
• website/: Marketing landing page and invitation bridge.
• shared/: Centralized source for protocol constants.
• scripts/: Utilities for build and synchronization.
• docs/: Comprehensive documentation including architectural insights and style guides.

To facilitate self-hosting, KoalaSync can be deployed using Docker with provided images, enabling users to set up their own private relay server efficiently. Specific instructions and configurations for deployment are included in the documentation.

📖 Additional Resources

For thorough technical insights, please refer to the following documentation:

• CHANGELOG.md: Version history for updates and changes.
• PRIVACY.md: Detailed privacy policy governing data usage.
• CONTRIBUTING.md: How to contribute towards KoalaSync's growth.

KoalaSync combines the need for secure, synchronized video playback with user-centered design and reliability. Experience the next level of video enjoyment with KoalaSync.