palu: chat without language barriers
palu is an iPhone app by upbyte®. You write in your language, the other person reads in theirs, and the other way round. For conversations with people around the world, for example with friends, partners or customers abroad.
palu is in beta
The app currently runs through TestFlight with invited testers. It is not yet available in the App Store, and there is no open sign-up. If you would like to try palu, write to us.
Conversations often fail because of language
Anyone who writes to business partners, colleagues or friends abroad copies text into a translator or writes in a language they only half speak. The conversation loses pace and tone.
palu translates every message right in the chat. Both sides stay in their own language, and the conversation runs like one between people who share a language.
What palu can do
- Chats for two and in groups of up to 20 people. Every message arrives in the reader's language.
- 31 languages for translation, and the app itself comes in 21 languages.
- The right tone: the translation takes the relationship, writing style, age and gender of those involved into account.
- A preview shows the translation before you send and warns about possible misunderstandings. A tap shows the original text.
- Help in the conversation: have a message explained, reply suggestions, summary, search in the chat, appointment detection.
- Photos, files, voice messages (the translation is read aloud) and text in photos is translated.
- Sofa mode for two people on one iPhone, and a guest link that lets someone chat in the browser without an account.
- Add contacts by QR code or friend code, sign in with your Apple ID.
Hosting in Germany, stated openly
The palu server and database run at Hetzner in Nuremberg. Messages and files are stored there encrypted and deleted after 30 days. On the way from the app to the server they are encrypted as well.
Data therefore also passes through services outside Germany: Cloudflare, for the translation an AI service (OpenRouter with a Google model, set to no storage), plus Apple and Microsoft for reports. palu is not end-to-end encrypted, because translating needs the plain text. palu is not meant for confidential content.
Who palu is for
- People who regularly write to friends, partners or customers in other countries.
- Groups in which several languages come together.
- Anyone who wants to write in their own language and read the reply in their own language.
Frequently asked questions
- Which devices does palu run on?
Currently on the iPhone. There is no Android version.
- Does palu replace a translator?
palu translates messages in conversation. It does not replace a certified or professional translation, and quality can vary by language.
- Are messages end-to-end encrypted?
No, because the translation has to read the text. They are encrypted on the way to the server and on the server, and deleted after 30 days.
- Where is the data stored?
On Hetzner servers in Germany. For delivery and translation, services outside Germany are added, as described above.
- When will palu be in the App Store?
That is not fixed yet. If you would like to test beforehand, write to us.
Want to try palu or have questions?
Write to us. We will get in touch as soon as palu is open to more testers.
- Phone 0800 6400800
- Landline +49 4352 9530000
- WhatsApp Send a message
- Email info@upbyte.de