CodeLathe's Tonido App allows users to access the unencrypted files on their Mac from web browsers and/or their iOS devices. Even though you are accessing unencrypted files, AES 256 SSL connections are used end to end, assuring your files are encrypted while using the app.
The service provided by Tonido is very straightforward. Once signed into the Tonido app on the selected iOS device, the user can open files and not only see them, but manipulate them. Tonido acts as a server on the Mac, so data is streamed at the byte level directly to the iOS device and is never stored on Tonido servers..
- The user creates an account on their Mac, including an account ID and password. The account ID will always be http://username.tonidoID.com. The account holder chooses his/her user name and password. A user does not have to administrator privileges on a Mac to access their particular account, but the user does have to have authority to download, install and run the application.
- Then they download the Tonido from the iTunes store to their iOS products of choice (iPad, iPad mini, iPhone, iPod touch).
- They register (add) their account on their iOS device using the ID and password they set up on their Mac.
Add an account to iOS device
- They select and click the Mac they want to access (more than one can be registered)
Touch to select the Mac you wish to access
At that point, the user has immediate access to their home files in the form of folders in either a list or gallery view through the secure Tonido cloud services. Only the files accessible by the user are available for the Tonido app as well.
List or gallery view options
Using the product
I found it easy to set up and use this app. If you click on the primary folder that is labeled Desktop, you will be able to access everything on your desktop. The folders will be listed in alphabetical order, followed by any individual documents you have also placed there. You can open any folder and access documents therein, and you can modify them if you wish.
There are some limitations on your ability to modify, dictated by what apps you have loaded on your iOS device. If I want to open and modify a Pages document, it stands to reason that I had better have some kind of appropriate app that will actually open a Pages document and allow me to modify it.
I also can instantly email a document that is stored on my primary computer using Tonido.
Sending email using Tonido
There is a free version and a pro version, so anyone who is interested in this app can give it a thorough try and then remain with the free version or look into the pro version.
Do I recommend it?
I do. It is handy to be able to access your files, movies, photos, music, etc. using your iOS device without having to use up all your memory. I like the ability to modify and email documents as well.
I would remind security conscious users that there is an extra step that they should take to protect their information. Remember to shut down Tonido when not in use as opposed to just closing it so that your ID and password will be required to reopen the app. To shut down the app, double tap the home button and when the window comes up, hold down the app icon until you get the minus option at the top left of the icon. Tap the minus option and your app is really closed.
Completely close your app
Another point concerning security is the privacy of your information. CodeLathe's privacy policy is as follows: “Except as provided below, CodeLathe shall not sell, rent, trade or otherwise transfer any personal and/or traffic data or communications content to any third party without your explicit permission, unless it is obliged to do so under applicable laws or by order of the competent authorities.”