Question

Chrome Extension vs Desktop App

  • 3 February 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 1725 views

What is the interaction between the Chrome extension and the Desktop app? Some of our users just started using the Chrome extension. They are all softphone-only users. I have heard of a few instances of not being able to pick up calls on the extension, or dropped calls from the extension. We did not have any reliability issues like this when only using the Desktop app. They both ring at the same time too and the co-existence is confusing. Can anyone comment as to the configuration differences between the two and why we may be experiencing issues with the Chrome extension?


3 replies

Hello Matt,

I don't know of any specific reason why the Users would be having issues answering calls on the Chrome plugin.

The main difference between the app and the plugin is features and capability. The plugin for Chrome is pretty basic as far as features go. It's an integration into the Chrome web browser to make things a little easier for those who use chrome and specifically Gmail all day. 

The Softphone is a fully developed phone. All the latest and greatest features are constantly being added to the softphone app. I would suggest using one or the other. If your use of the phone is pretty basic, taking and making only a few calls throughout the day and you are in Gmail all the time, use the Chrome plugin and don't even log into the softphone. If you still having connectivity issues with this you can open a case and tech support can help to assist.

If you're using the phone constantly during the day, making calls, taking calls, transferring, placing calls on park, calling contacts, sending text messages and faxes, then use the Softphone app, it will provide a better experience for those Users.

To avoid the double ringing, which could be part of the thing causing the call issues with the Chrome app, either have the Users uninstall the Chrome app or don't log into it if you are going to use the softphone.
I don't use either, but i would suggest just using the softphone, you can set it to always be in the foreground to make sure calls are never missed and the pad is always ready for dialing.
I think it would be great to have another chrome extension that allows you to dial via the desktop app so that you can still dial from the web browser and take advantage of the desktop app features and reliability.  Its frustrating to have to choose between features.  

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