Yesterday I saw Webtop 6.8.2 was released, and as this was great news because this version was supposed to remove Java applets once and for all. While most of us though that removing applets would imply moving to HTML5, EMC has decided to implement an intermediate solution 😦

Webtop 6.8.2 will prompt users to install a browser extension first time you log in:

In Firefox the extension will be installed, and in Chrome user will be redirected to the Chrome Web Store:

After installing the extension, the first time users try to download something they’ll be prompted to install a local application that will handle the transfers (WebSockets I presume).

Good news: Now you don’t need to fight with Java/browser combination

Bad news: Users have to perform operations. Not the cleanest solution (IMHO).

Bonus: Now importing files is really not-user friendly:

1. File -> import
2. Ugly Java window will pop-up over the import container asking for files to import
3. Select files/folders, press ok and… nothing happens. You are kept in a blank container window with “Next” and “Finish” buttons and no indication whatsoever if the files are been/have been uploaded or what is going on.