Show HN: Solyto – a free, open-source all-in-one personal management app

Built by a data hoarder, hyped by organizers, derailed by a ‘lowercase a’ login joke

TLDR: Solyto promises a free, privacy-friendly all‑in‑one organizer. The comments exploded over strict sign-up rules—one user joked about using just “a”—while another offered passwordless login, igniting a privacy vs. convenience clash that shows how much people care about both control and an easy login.

Solyto crash-landed on Show HN with big main-character energy: one free, open-source app to tame everything—todos, calendar, contacts, notes, news—wrapped in no ads, no tracking, and even a Skyrim-themed look. The maker (Leomuck) bragged about 1,000 hours and a “no-bullshit” approach, and the productivity crowd perked up. It’s self-hosted for privacy lovers, with customizable vibes for everyone else. The pitch? One app to rule your life without selling your data.

Then the comments happened. The thread swerved into a full-on Password-gate when one user couldn’t register and dropped a deadpan zinger: “Why not just allow users to use lowercase a for their password?” Cue the jokes about secret vaults and the eternal struggle between security and “let me in already.” Another commenter swooped in with a fix: passwordless logins via qrauth—and even “bonus social login.” That sparked side-eye from privacy purists: do we really need social sign-in on a privacy-first app? Meanwhile, someone noted the interface looks very desktop-y, fueling the “is this for power users?” debate. Verdict: Solyto’s vision got attention, but the community’s vibe check is loud and hilarious—less about features, more about the front door and who holds the keys.

Key Points

  • Solyto is a free, open-source personal management app.
  • It combines todos, calendar, contacts, notes, libraries, and news in one place.
  • The app emphasizes privacy with no ads, no tracking, and no dark patterns.
  • It is positioned as free forever.
  • Users can choose from multiple themes, including minimal, dark, warm, and a Skyrim-inspired theme.

Hottest takes

"no-bullshit, open-source and selfhostable" — Leomuck
"Why not just allow users to use lowercase a for their password?" — d-cc
"I can help with integration for Passwordless login if you want" — aristech
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