After a long wait, the Perplexity app is now available for download on both macOS and Windows. As a dedicated user of Perplexity Pro, I’ve been eager for this release, but I must admit, my excitement has turned to disappointment.
3
No New Features
Despite all the social media buzz, the desktop version of Perplexity doesn’t bring anything new to the table. It’s essentially the same as the browser version, which, honestly, makes it quicker to just open a web browser for your queries. It operates as an Electron wrapper, a method developers use to package web applications into a desktop format.
Sadly, Perplexity has not integrated any special features into this desktop version; it’s merely a wrapper. If they had introduced distinct functionalities, the app might be worth installing. For instance, enhancing social search capabilities could have given the desktop version a compelling edge. Until such improvements are made, downloading it seems pointless.
2
Less User-Friendly
While the browser interface of Perplexity offers a smooth user experience, there’s significant room for enhancement in the desktop version. Theoretically, launching a desktop app should allow for better optimization for specific operating systems, but that hasn’t been realized here.
The desktop app’s usability is not as seamless as its browser counterpart. In the browser version, you can easily access all your conversations on the left side without any extra clicks. However, in the desktop app, your chats are tucked away behind a tab on the left, requiring extra navigation.
While this might seem like a minor annoyance, it can be frustrating at first. A more user-friendly interface would enhance the experience for both Perplexity Pro subscribers and free users alike.
1
Lacks Responsiveness
Along with its usability challenges, the Perplexity desktop app also suffers from poor responsiveness. While the browser version typically loads quite quickly, the desktop iteration tends to lag.
This sluggishness detracts significantly from the overall experience. Although I hope Perplexity addresses these concerns in future updates, it’s certainly a critical aspect to keep in mind right now.
The potential for the Perplexity desktop app is undeniable, but in its current form, there’s little reason to consider downloading it. The experience feels clunky, and it lacks valuable features already offered in the browser version. For now, sticking with the web app is the smarter choice.
