Dropbox unveils its new desktop app

Dropbox has been around for ages, offering up a simple cloud storage option for your important information, but also growing into a powerful workplace tool for collaboration as well.

That trend continues with a brand new desktop application the company has just unveiled. It is available only in an early access program for now, but it brings with it various new features, performance enhancements, and new tools to make working with other people even better.

It’s worth noting here that some of the features listed below are actually rolling out early within Dropbox’s current desktop app. However, the new visual experience, and the majority of the new features, will be gated off for the new app. If you want to try it out now, you can sign up through the early access program link.

The new desktop app is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all the things you might need on a daily basis. That includes your local files (including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files), as well as your files stored in cloud storage. It will even store web shortcuts, like to a website or management boards.

The new Dropbox desktop application will also sync with other services, like Zoom and Slack, to make working with others even easier.

Here’s how Dropbox describes working with Slack:

Give people context

Bring conversations and content together. Within Dropbox, you can easily start a Slack conversation to discuss changes or updates.

Reduce steps

Send files directly from Dropbox to Slack channels and individuals without jumping back and forth.

Stay on top of work

See what files were shared to Slack, for better visibility on who’s been involved with the work.

And meeting with Zoom:

Start a conversation

Connect your calendar with Dropbox to join and add Zoom Meetings where you can discuss the files you’re working on, right from Dropbox.

Stay in flow

Easily present files right from Dropbox directly to Zoom Meetings with one simple step.

Track activity

Keep tabs on all your team’s work, with files shared to Zoom from Dropbox appearing in file-based activity.

There is a new team activity feed, which will show all the changes made to a document or other item within Dropbox. Users will also be able to add folder descriptions, pin files, add to-dos, and even include @ mentions for users.

Dropbox's new desktop app improves collaboration

As mentioned above, this is an early access app right now, but considering the changes Dropbox is making one can hope it will have a broader launch in the near future.

Do you think you’ll check this new app out?