Proton, the Swiss company known for its email and VPN services, has released a significant update to its Proton Drive macOS app. This 2.0 version represents a complete rebuild, offering improved performance and expanded features for secure cloud storage. Think of it as a Google Drive alternative, but with the added benefit of end-to-end encryption.
The redesigned app resides in your desktop menu bar, providing quick access to files and the ability to open your Proton Drive in a browser with just a few clicks. The menu bar dropdown displays real-time status and activity updates for recent files, allowing you to monitor syncing progress and identify any potential issues. Furthermore, upload and download speeds have been significantly enhanced, boasting up to twice the speed of the previous version.
Proton Drive macOS app.
Proton Drive also simplifies secure document creation and sharing. By clicking “View Online” in the app and selecting the “+ New” button, you can create a new Proton Docs file. This encrypted document editor functions similarly to Google Docs, providing a secure alternative for collaborative work.
While the text editor in Proton Docs is more streamlined than Google Docs, it still supports real-time collaboration, suggestions, comments, and view-only sharing. Although Google Docs remains the dominant player due to its widespread adoption, Proton Drive offers a compelling alternative for those prioritizing privacy and security for personal files and documents.
Offline access is also available through downloading files and folders to your device. Beyond macOS, Proton Drive offers a Windows app, and the upcoming release of the Software Development Kit (SDK) will empower the open-source community to develop a Linux version.
In conclusion, the updated Proton Drive macOS app offers a robust and secure cloud storage solution with improved speed, enhanced features, and a focus on user experience. With its end-to-end encryption and cross-platform compatibility, Proton Drive provides a viable option for individuals and businesses seeking secure online storage and document collaboration.
