Ente Photos, is primarily an end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) and privacy-oriented photo storage service designed as a viable alternative to Google Photos and iCloud Photos.

Features and functionalities:

Core Privacy and Security Features

• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): All photo and video backups are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring absolute privacy. It uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning the service cannot access the content. It also encrypts the metadata.

• Open Source & Audited: The application is fully open-source and has undergone a cryptographic audit.

• No Data Exploitation: The platform operates with No Ads, No Tracking, and No Training.

• Secure Backup: Backups are stored in 3 locations and are accessible from any device. It offers 2FA (two-factor authentication) for enhanced security.

Photo Management and Organization

• AI and Search: It includes Zero knowledge AI that allows users to search for anything in natural language. It also allows searching through the encrypted metadata.

• Face Recognition: Features on-device face detection and grouping.

• Memories and Curation: It provides Curated memories to help users relive their best moments from past events and everyday life.

• Smart Features: It supports Smart Albums and Hidden Photos.

• Quality and Metadata: It retains original quality and EXIF metadata. It also handles "live" iPhone photos and respects the HEIC format.

• Visual Tools: The app features a great map function and offers Widgets for Memories, Albums, and People.

• Space Management: It makes it easy to manage photos and free up space on your phone once files are safely backed up on its server.

Sharing and Collaboration

• Shared Albums: Users can create Shared albums to collect photos and collaborate both inside and outside Ente.

• E2EE Sharing: If a friend is on Ente, users can add them as a viewer or collaborator to an album, and this sharing remains end-to-end encrypted.

• Public Links: Users can generate Public links to share albums. Non-Ente users can view photos on a browser without installing the app or needing an account. These links can also allow guests to upload photos, and these uploads are also end-to-end encrypted.

• Guest View is also listed as a feature.

Platform, Migration, and Access

• Cross-Platform Support: Ente is cross-platform with dedicated apps for Android, iOS, Web, Mac, Linux, and Windows. All apps automatically backup photos in the background.

• Self-Hosting Option: The service is self-hostable. It also offers a Command Line Interface (CLI) for those who wish to run Ente on their servers.

• Migration: It offers a simple migration process to transfer photos from both Google and Apple (by using data takeout and dropping it into the Desktop app).

• Import/Export: Features include Easy Import and Easier Export.

Plans and Service

• Free Tier: Offers 10GB free forever.

• Family Plans: Users can share their subscription with up to 5 family members at no extra cost. Each member gets their own private space.

• Legacy Contacts.

• Customer Support: The developers are noted for being active and responsive and providing prompt, top-notch customer support.