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Free software?


Shiba

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Greetings, I tried searching the forum but the only discussion I found about this dates back to 2014. Will the firmware and the apps for Flirc ever be released as free software? I plan to use it on my private network, so I'm a bit reluctant about a keyboard-like device running and programmable with proprietary software. Please don't take it personally, you could be Mother Teresa and I'd be cautious the same way.

Edited by Shiba
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There's been already a library released together with a header file so you can compile your own software against it. I don't think the library itself is going to be released as a source code and the same goes for the firmware.

The device itself doesn't require the software to be installed on the target system. You can configure your Flirc once on one system (for example a virtual machine if you don't trust the software) and then move the device to a target system.

If you don't trust Flirc then I don't think there's anything we can do to persuade you to change your mind. You can do some tests yourself. For example use a computer (or vm) disconnected from the network or allow network traffic but log it (the GUI only checks if there's a new version available on Windows and Mac when it starts). Set up keyboard logger to check if Flirc tries to run some keystrokes by itself without you pressing any remote buttons. You would need to do these tests yourself because I don't know if you would believe anyone else on the forum telling you there's nothing malicious in either the software or the firmware.

Please don't take it personally, I think it's anyone's right to either trust or distrust any software or hardware. These are just tips how you can try to verify a product which is proprietary.

BTW do you trust other programmable, proprietary hardware which works as a keyboard or mouse? A good example is the Logitech Unifying receiver. It's also programmable and registers as a mouse and a keyboard in the system. It has upgrade'able firmware and is based on Atmega MCU (similarly to first gen of Flirc).

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Thank you for your time and for understanding my point. As a matter of fact I could sandbox the software programming Flirc and be sure enough. I could even start an Xorg session only for Flirc, although just yesterday or so some nasty bugs about the Linux kernel's USB subsystem came to light, so Xorg is no more my only concern. But maybe I could think something up for that either. However the reason why I got interested in Flirc to begin with (other than the guaranteed Linux support, you know) is the hassle free experience from setting it up, to actually using it. Unfortunately it seems to me that for my use case this could become at least as bothersome as buying a standard IR receiver and configuring lirc.

I will think about this, but to be frank I will also keep hoping for a Flirc 3rd gen completely powered by free software.

On the Logitech dongle matter: I don't mean to sound offensive, but I always considered that approach an abomination. I'm using Dell standard keyboard and mouse (wired) on my desktop and sometimes a Logitech Bluetooth (profiles power!) mouse on my laptop. Talking about Bluetooth and before you ask, I'm not relying on any BLE device. Yes I'm that cautious. Sorry for the OT.

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