muragekibicho/middleclass-zip

Smaller files for the Middle Class

Middleclass Zip

Faster, cheaper internet for the middle class

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Disclaimer

Data compression is a solved problem. No ✨ magical algorithm ✨ makes files infinitely small. Also, you can't compress random data.

How It Works

We make internet files smaller by performing intensive computations on your device.
Small files are cheaper to send and travel fast on slow networks.

Technical Overview

We find uncompressed data inside files then run the data through 7Zip. Further compression to come ✨

Target audience

• You've got a mid to high-end phone or laptop.
• You're stuggling with unbearably slow internet.
• Your internet service provider(ISP) charges you exorbitant rates per megabyte.
• You're fine performing intensive, battery-consuming calculations on your device.

Inspiration

Outside the United States, internet is slow and wildy expensive. For instance, I was charged 10 dollars for 1 GB while in Kenya. (Local ISPs sell small 10MB bundles to hide the true cost). So every kilobyte counts!

There's a tradeoff between smaller file sizes and intensive computation. However, I'd rather have my 2000$ Mac perform extra computations than wait an hour for my YouTube video to buffer in 360p.

I made this repo to gauge interest in making the internet faster for the middle class (users with mid to high-end devices).