Five services you should use on the desktop instead of the browser
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Arrow First, each application mentioned in this article will reduce the pressure on your browser, which probably already takes up considerable system resources (here we had put together with some tips on how to manage tabs in general, while here you will find our in-depth study on Chrome).
Using a desktop application also means being able to manage notifications in Windows or macOS settings instead of messing with them options in the browser. When running programs installed outside the browser, for example, it is easier to manage the "do not disturb" mode.
What you find below is not an exhaustive list, but it should be a good starting point to understand which apps that work just as well or better on the desktop than the browser.
Spotify A screenshot of Spotify's desktop app
Spotify via David Nield Even if the web version of Spotify works quite well, downloading the desktop application for Windows or macOS the experience is overall more sophisticated and stable. Some of the differences between the two versions are not noticeable immediately, but they are there: in the desktop program, for example, you can stream music at a higher quality, whether you are a Spotify Premium subscriber or not.
One of the greatest benefits of the desktop application for Premium users is the ability to save music locally so that you can listen to it offline. There are also secondary benefits, including easier management of playlists and queued songs (in the desktop app you can select multiple tracks at once, unlike the web version). Spotify's desktop app also supports sending audio to Chromecast devices and is compatible with a wider range of keyboard shortcuts.
Slack Slack on desktop
Slack via David Nield If you are used to using Slack on your browser for corporate communications, you may want to consider installing the app on desktop for Windows or macOS. Many of the features are the same on both web and desktop, and you can seamlessly sync channels and messages between the two platforms, ensuring you don't miss any important messages as you switch.
When using Slack On the desktop, however, there are some small differences: the application allows you to switch between teams more easily and supports a greater number of keyboard shortcuts (which are always a boost to productivity). Errors and connection instability are handled better, and there is a bit more flexibility in handling notifications.
Amazon Prime Video The Amazon Prime desktop app allows you to download movies and series
Amazon via David Nield You may think that a simple movie and TV streaming service doesn't really need a desktop program. Amazon Prime Video, however, has one for Windows and macOS, which joins the web player you probably already know. Many of the interfaces and features are the same (although it is easier to navigate and navigate the desktop application), and switching between user profiles is also smooth on both platforms.
The main reason to install the Prime Video application on your desktop is that it allows you to download series and movies locally and then watch them without the need for an internet connection, a perfect option if you are going on a trip and are unsure if you have reliable access to Internet. The app has a separate download section and dedicated icons on individual movie and series pages (which also appear on the web when the desktop app is detected).
Plex Plex on desktop
Plex via David NieldPlex is a streaming service that offers free movies, TV series, music and podcasts, with short commercial breaks. It is similar to Amazon Prime Video in that it has a great browser player that allows you to easily access movies, TV shows, music, photos, and more. But Plex also has a desktop application for Windows and macOS that adds some features to the interface and makes browsing content slightly smoother.
The main reason why it might be preferable to use the desktop program over the web version is the same as Prime Video: downloads. The app allows you to sync your content for offline playback on your laptop or desktop, which means that if you're on the go or your connection suddenly drops you don't have to stop watching or listening. Synced files are managed through the Download tab on the interface.
Dropbox Screenshot of the Dropbox desktop app Dropbox via David Nield If you use Dropbox to sync files from a computer, the service icon - which meanwhile it works in the background - it is already visible on both Windows (in the notification area) and macOS (in the menu bar). However, there is also a real desktop app that you can switch to, as well as a web version. The app is fast and customizable, and in a short time it could become your preferred method of accessing files on Dropbox.
The desktop app allows you to quickly configure shortcuts to the files and folders to which log in more frequently, and reach files marked as special and any external apps that you have connected to Dropbox. Copying, moving and sharing files is very simple, and with a couple of clicks, you can see the locations of files and folders in the file path of Windows or macOS (or on the web). Searches are quick too, and the app allows you to instantly see recent file changes.
This article originally appeared on sportsgaming.win US.
