Really didn’t expect that.Google Also launching a desktop version of the app, or is it for Windows Design feels like it’s for Gemini Pave the way. Earlier, Google atOfficial blogannounced the launch of a new experimental “Google App for Windows” application, much like Spotlight or Raycast on Mac. Its one unique feature is that it can directly use Google web search, with built-in AI Overviews functionality.
Google launches new Windows app: “Google App”, supporting search for local files, apps, and web pages, with AI features as well.
Google says the goal of this new Google App is to “help users find what they need faster.” After pressing the shortcut Alt + Space, a capsule-shaped search bar appears, which should be familiar to anyone who has used tools like Spotlight, Raycast, Flow Launcher, and Everything, as shown below:
This search bar can not only search local files, installed apps, and web pages, but also files on Google Drive. If needed, you can also quickly switch to AI Overviews or AI mode.
What’s more, this Google App also supports Google Lens, meaning it can provide a feature similar to Circle to Search. For example, when you need to translate, you can circle text or images to perform the translation, or select an area to search for the information you want. This is really nice:
However, this Google App is currently an experimental tool, so it hasn’t been fully opened up to everyone. According to reports, it is only available on Google Labs for now, with limited application slots, and only open to US users using English. You also need to sign in with your personal Google account; Workspace accounts are not supported.
Additionally, the Google App for Windows doesn’t just support Windows 11—it works on Windows 10 too. As for the Mac version, I think the chances of it launching are pretty slim, since Spotlight is already powerful enough.
Although Google App doesn’t have Gemini built in yet, I speculate that if it gains positive feedback from users, it will likely be integrated in the future. After all, Gemini doesn’t have a desktop version yet, so bringing it in through Google App would be a good approach.
What’s interesting is, I wonder if the Google App can use natural language to search local files? If it can, that would really be impressive!
With Google’s launch, I hope Microsoft will also be on alert and quickly deeply integrate Copilot AI with Windows. At this stage, the desktop version of Copilot is completely unappealing. If they keep dragging this out, once more useful third-party AI tools appear, it will be even harder to attract users back to Copilot.
Source: KOCPC Chinese