What you need to know
- The “Google app for Windows” was announced today (Sep 19), an app that’s entering its Search Labs testing grounds for PC users.
- This new app, accessed by pressing the Alt+Space key combo, will surface Google’s Search bar for AI Overviews.
- This bar also features Google Lens, meaning users can search or translate items on their screen without “interrupting their flow.”
Google is making strides beyond mobile devices with the introduction of a new app designed specifically for Windows PCs. This initiative aims to provide users with seamless access to Google’s capabilities, enhancing productivity by allowing quick assistance from anywhere on their device. The app, currently in the experimental phase within Google’s Search Labs, invites Windows users to participate in its testing.
By simply pressing the Alt+Space key combination, users can summon a familiar rounded corner Google Search bar, complete with a Google Lens icon positioned conveniently on the right. This feature allows for web searches as well as searches through Google Drive files, installed applications, and downloaded content, all without the need to switch windows or disrupt workflow.
The integration of AI Overviews within the app promises to be particularly beneficial for students, offering concise assistance with homework tasks. This feature draws parallels to the Gemini app’s “Guided Learning,” presenting information in bite-sized formats that are easy to digest.
Currently, this Google app for Windows is available for English-speaking users in the U.S., with eligibility extending to those operating Windows 10 or higher. However, interested participants are encouraged to act swiftly, as space for this testing phase is limited.
Google’s AI heads to Windows
In a previous attempt to enhance the Windows experience, Google introduced the Essentials app last year, which aimed to consolidate various Google services into a single platform. This initiative allowed users to access their emails, YouTube, and other services directly from their PC’s start menu, with the app even pre-loaded on select HP and Omen computers.
The latest Google app for Windows represents a shift in strategy, as it seeks to replicate the user-friendly features found in Google’s Pixel 10 series and other Android devices. This evolution reflects Google’s commitment to delivering a cohesive and efficient user experience across platforms.
Moreover, Google is not stopping there; significant upgrades to Chrome are on the horizon, driven by the capabilities of Gemini. Desktop users can anticipate the appearance of a Gemini icon within their browser, facilitating access to advanced AI services such as webpage and YouTube video summaries. In addition, the omnibox will soon feature an AI Mode, enabling users to pose more complex inquiries without needing to navigate directly to Google Search.
