The landscape of AI applications just got a new addition with Claude AI launching its very own Windows application. Similar to the approach taken by ChatGPT, Claude’s app is essentially a simple Electron wrapper that loads the website at claude.ai within a Chromium container. This may raise eyebrows among users who expected more than a glorified web browser.
In this case, users are effectively downloading an entire web browser (in the form of its own Chromium instance) just to access the Claude service. Let’s break that down a bit—when you run Electron apps, you're pulling in lots of web assets, wrappers, and dependencies.
While apps like Notion and Visual Studio Code employ Electron with finesse, allowing for performance optimizations that enhance user experience, Claude’s implementation seems less innovative and more redundant. After all, why download an app that loads a website when one could achieve the same result through a conventional browser?
In contrast, offerings like ChatGPT’s app provide additional functionality. With advanced voice modes allowing users to interact in a conversational manner, it creates an interactive feel that Claude lacks. The picture-in-picture mode is a nice touch, but again, it merely follows trends set by earlier applications.
So, what's the verdict? If you’re a fan of AI-driven chatbots and looking for a desktop experience, you're probably better off using a browser for the time being. It’s more efficient, and you won’t be carrying the hefty burden of an application that delivers what you can access with a simple browser tab. As we journey through this evolving tech landscape, let’s hope future iterations realize the promise of offering more than mere window dressing.
What do you think about the trend of web app wrappers in the Windows ecosystem? Share your thoughts!
Source: Windows Latest After ChatGPT, Claude AI’s Windows 11 app is another Chrome-based Electron wrapper
The Chronicles of Electron Apps
Electron frameworks have created quite the buzz—and not always for the right reasons. Powering many beloved applications such as Slack and Discord, Electron is celebrated for its cross-platform capabilities. However, it's often criticized for being resource-hungry. Claude’s new app is no exception; it requires over 200 MB of storage due to its bundling of Chromium, similar to how ChatGPT’s app operates.In this case, users are effectively downloading an entire web browser (in the form of its own Chromium instance) just to access the Claude service. Let’s break that down a bit—when you run Electron apps, you're pulling in lots of web assets, wrappers, and dependencies.
What Is Electron, and Why Is It Significant?
For the uninitiated, Electron is a framework that allows developers to build desktop applications using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It combines a Chromium engine (for web rendering) with a Node.js back-end. This means developers can create applications that feel more integrated than typical web pages, while coding in a language they're comfortable with.While apps like Notion and Visual Studio Code employ Electron with finesse, allowing for performance optimizations that enhance user experience, Claude’s implementation seems less innovative and more redundant. After all, why download an app that loads a website when one could achieve the same result through a conventional browser?
Performance Pitfalls of a Wrapper
Windows users are familiar with the performance implications of poorly implemented Electron apps. The size of the Claude app and subsequent resource usage can lead to sluggish performance. Let’s face it: launching what is effectively a wrapped webpage will not win any prizes for efficiency. Shouldn't a native app—at least theoretically—provide a snappier experience?Size Matters
Interestingly, when compared to Microsoft’s new Copilot app—which similarly runs as a wrapper but takes under a megabyte—Claude's hefty install size becomes glaring. An unnecessary download for functionality that potentially could be streamlined via existing browsers poses a frustrating experience for users.Expectations vs. Reality
Is Claude AI's app filling a real gap? On its own, it offers no significant advantages over simply using the Claude website—except perhaps for the Ctrl+Alt+Space keyboard shortcut that allows access from anywhere within Windows. This seems more like a minor convenience than a compelling feature.In contrast, offerings like ChatGPT’s app provide additional functionality. With advanced voice modes allowing users to interact in a conversational manner, it creates an interactive feel that Claude lacks. The picture-in-picture mode is a nice touch, but again, it merely follows trends set by earlier applications.
A Note on Availability
While Claude is available for free to all users, including those with paid subscriptions, it's curious that it isn't found on the Microsoft Store. Users interested in trying out Claude will need to go through the company's website for installation. This belies the ecosystem approach many expect when developing applications for Windows, which typically encourages streamlined app discovery and installation.Conclusion
In short, the arrival of the Claude AI app on Windows is yet another demonstration of the trend towards Electron wrappers rather than innovative native applications, a reality that may frustrate more discerning Windows users.So, what's the verdict? If you’re a fan of AI-driven chatbots and looking for a desktop experience, you're probably better off using a browser for the time being. It’s more efficient, and you won’t be carrying the hefty burden of an application that delivers what you can access with a simple browser tab. As we journey through this evolving tech landscape, let’s hope future iterations realize the promise of offering more than mere window dressing.
What do you think about the trend of web app wrappers in the Windows ecosystem? Share your thoughts!
Source: Windows Latest After ChatGPT, Claude AI’s Windows 11 app is another Chrome-based Electron wrapper