Webshots Desktop 2006 3.1.5.7619

Overview

Webshots Desktop is a free wallpapers and screensavers manager. It offers tools to share your personal photos, as well as download professional photos for your desktop.

Once a web service, Webshots is now a fully-fledged desktop application with a knack on making things easier when it comes to wallpapers and screensavers. The application supports comfy drag-and-drop feature for users to upload their personal photographs and share them with their friends and family right from Windows.

Members get access to a massive library of gorgeous professional photographs. Being a free account holder, user can download a limited number of premium pictures per day. There are free photographs available in the library, too. The professional photo network offered by Webshots comprises hundreds of fascinating photographs users can enjoy on their desktops, be it PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Installation

Webshots Desktop comes in a clean installation pack free from adware and bundled items. It runs on Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) operating systems without restrictions. It is available free of charge, but offers a premium membership for extended features.

Interface

The Webshots Desktop interface could be more streamlined than it is now. We would like to see the ‘Back’ button because saving a photograph to My Library and going back to a specific gallery requires loading the gallery all over again which may be a lengthy process depending on Internet connection.

Interface comprises tabs with a number of features most of which open up a link in the browser. Overall, GUI is intuitive, but not very convenient.

Features

• Wallpaper and screensaver manager in one application.
• The possibility to set keyboard shortcuts to cycle the photographs as wallpaper.
• Scheduling wallpaper cycling.
• Calendar.
• Screensaver effects.
• Detects digital cameras and card readers.

Pros

• The possibility to upload and share photographs.
• Access to professional photographs.
• The possibility to create customized photo wallpapers.
• Full-screen slideshows.
• Direct upload from digital media to online gallery.
• Easy-to-use application with a comprehensive approach to different types of digital media.
• Both novice and advanced users will find it useful.

Cons

On the one hand, the impressive collection of quality professional photographs that can be used as wallpapers and screensavers is a big lure to potential customers. On the other hand, the functions and opportunities of a free account are very limited. Users have two options: either pay for a premium membership, or lose the interest in the application altogether.  Free members can download one wallpaper of 800x600 resolution per day. Besides, the personal upload is limited, too. Files are in WBZ format which is not convenient and limits these photographs to Webshots application only.

The interface lacks flexibility and features of a web browser making the process of selecting or uploading photographs a lengthy process.

Calendar feature is not attractive at all. The Calendar itself is not customizable, so if you are unhappy with transparency, font or color, you will have to do without it. It would be more convenient if the Calendar feature would be more customizable and in the form of desktop gadget you can place wherever you like.

Another disadvantage of the application is that it uses the web browser for way too many functions.

Alternatives

Starter Background Changer Free allows to customize your wallpaper in Windows 7. Wallpaper Cycler Lite allows to regularly update your wallpapers. DeskScapes allows you to cycle your wallpaper in XP, Vista and 7. It offers users to customize their Windows desktop wallpaper with effects, animation and a variety of other options.

Conclusion

Webshots Desktop offers a huge collection of fascinating and awe-inspiring professional photographs as wallpapers and screensavers for Windows desktops. The program also offers convenient sharing options. This utility is useful for desktop wallpapers maniacs assemble and organize their extensive collections, as well as share and download some of the most beautiful photos on the web. However, to be able to fully enjoy this application, users will need to upgrade to paid membership. Otherwise, there is only very little you can do with it.