Proton Mail, the end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) email service from Switzerland's Proton, is now officially available via a dedicated desktop app, nearly three months after its beta debut.
However, despite previous claims that the client will be available to all Proton Mail users in early 2024, the company has decided to limit it to paid users.
“Due to the very positive response during the beta phase, and given the significant infrastructure and maintenance demands, we have decided to keep the desktop app exclusive to premium subscribers to ensure the highest quality of service. ,” a spokesperson told TechCrunch.
Proton Mail Desktop App Image Credit: Proton
In related news, Proton is making its email service available via a standalone Linux desktop app, starting in beta today.
It's worth noting that Proton Mail has been available to desktop users since the company's inception, first through browsers and more recently through third-party desktop clients such as Apple Mail and Outlook. Bridge”, but today this news brings dedicated Windows and MacOS apps to the fray.This allows the user to use his MacOS dock or Windows[スタート]This means that while you can access Proton Mail directly from the menu, you can also cache your emails and access them offline.
Additionally, the new app also bundles access to Proton's encrypted calendar service.
Proton Mail for desktop with calendar Image credit: Proton
show me the money
From Proton's perspective, keeping the Proton Mail desktop app behind a paywall could be a good way to encourage premium sign-ups. Because it's a product that many people value in their daily lives and are willing to pay for. .
However, the company previously said the client “will be gradually available to all users, including free users,” and this backtracking may cause some confusion in the community.
Instead, anyone can try the app as part of a 14-day free trial, after which they must sign up for one of the company's premium plans, which cost between 8 and 13 euros per month, depending on their situation. As long as they are willing to commit. These plans also remove all restrictions on Proton's other products, such as cloud storage, VPN, and password management.
That's not to say Proton isn't open to changing its mind, depending on the “feedback” it receives following today's announcement.
A Proton spokesperson said, “While we have no concrete plans in the short term, we remain positive about expanding access in the future.'' “We are committed to continually evaluating our products based on user feedback and needs.”