ProtonMail will release a desktop application for Windows, macOS and Linux

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1 Proton desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux

1.1 Proton Drive free plan will be announced next week

1.2 ProtonVPN extension for Firefox and Chrome

Proton has revealed its roadmap for the year 2022, to share its plans with users. Confirm that a ProtonMail desktop app is coming in the future.

The privacy-focused email service has gained popularity over the years, but has lacked a proper standalone email client. It can be used directly from your browser, or as a PWA (Progressive Web Application) in Chromium-based browsers, or using Proton Bridge in a third-party program like Thunderbird or Outlook. Unfortunately, that feature is locked behind a paywall, making it an exclusive benefit for premium users. There is an unofficial open source client called email that you can use to access your inbox on your computer, without the need for other applications or Bridge.

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Proton desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux

Proton’s official desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux will be based on Electron. The company claims that the program is still in the early stages of development, which explains why it did not reveal screenshots of the software. An ETA for the app’s release date has also not been provided.

Proton Drive free plan will be announced next week

Proton Drive is a secure cloud storage service that the company offers to its premium users. Although it debuted in late 2020, it is still in beta. According to the road map posted on his blog, a free Proton Drive plan will be unveiled next week. The Beta Trial offers 500 MB of free space, so it’s possible the new plan will do the same.

And like the mail client, a Proton Drive app for Windows, iOS and Android is also in the works, due for release later this year. A macOS client for Drive is also in development, but isn’t expected to be read until late 2022. Drive apps will also bring some improvements to the core user experience, such as file and folder management, image viewing, PDF and video clips directly, along with the ability to sync local files and folders to the cloud with the built-in end-to-end encryption the service is known for.

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ProtonVPN extension for Firefox and Chrome

The roadmap outlines plans for ProtonVPN, which will gain support for more services and offer servers in more countries and faster BitTorrent support with port forwarding. In addition to support for WireGuard clients and routers, the company aims to reduce VPN detection and captchas on sites by offering better IP reputation. A ProtonVPN extension for Firefox and Chrome will be revealed this year, which should be good news for those who rely on the service to unblock websites.

The Swiss-based company is also internally testing a Proton Calendar app for iOS, which will be available as part of a limited beta test this spring.

The big question is, will the ProtonMail desktop app be available to users on the free tier? Hopefully it will be free, while Proton Bridge for other programs will remain a premium feature. It could be an interesting way to onboard new users, especially since a single account can be used for Mail, VPN, Calendar, and Drive.

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Do you prefer to access your mail through web browsers or a stand-alone program?

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