
At the current time, the release version of the Plex Media Server runs using Rosetta 2. The new version of the Plex Media Server uses the "Universal" build for Macs, which means it is compatible with Apple silicon and Intel Macs. The end of HTPC support might come as a blow to users who watch movies through a PC hooked up to a projector, particularly since Plex even used to position itself as a successor to Microsoft's abandoned Windows Media Center.Popular media platform Plex today announced the launch of a beta version of the Plex Media Server that has native Apple silicon support. Plex said it made the call after monitoring how people used the app, and claimed "most of you will have an equal (if not better) experience with a streaming device and our new players." It added that casting devices such as Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV use much less electricity than HTPC setups and are generally simpler to use. "It marks the end of an era for us, and we'd be lying if we said it wasn't a little bittersweet." The new desktop app is notably lacking TV mode, which means that we're going to stop supporting the traditional HTPC setup (using a desktop computer connected to your TV or home theater) with this app," the team wrote in a blog post. "The long-term plan is for the new desktop app to replace Plex Media Player as our only desktop solution.


As a result of that, Plex is phasing out support for home theater PC setups. In January, it'll stop updating Plex Media Player. For one thing, it's killing the old Windows app by removing it from the store as of today. Meanwhile, Plex is making some other changes to its desktop support. It also offers the same server and library management options as in the Plex web app. The desktop app uses Plex's revamped user interface, including the navigation sidebar. This simpler, more reliable mechanism ( as Plex describes it) should make its way to the service's mobile apps in the future. However, the server owner still needs a Plex Pass to enable offline media access. Your downloads should start faster and with a single click, while Plex'll offer clearer feedback on your download progress. The feature was previously called Sync, but it's now called Downloads - a much clearer term.

Plex has a brand new app for Windows and Mac that offers a streamlined way to download the things you want to watch and listen to offline.
