• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Google has stepped outside its browser-first comfort zone with the launch of a new desktop app for Windows, available now through Google Labs as part of an experimental rollout. It’s a notable change for a company that has traditionally kept most of its services inside Chrome or on mobile platforms.

A New Search Experience on Windows

The app gives Windows users a fast, system-wide search tool. Pressing Alt + Space pulls up a pill-shaped bar that lets you look across local files, Google Drive, installed apps, and the web all at once. Results appear neatly grouped by category, making it easy to separate what’s on your PC from what’s stored in the cloud or online. In some cases, you’ll also see Google’s knowledge card-style results, similar to mobile search.

ALSO READ: Meta Unveils Ray-Ban Display Glasses With Built-In AR Screen

AI and Lens Integration

Google is also tying the app tightly to its AI ecosystem. Google Lens is built in, allowing you to highlight text or images on your screen for instant translation, copying, or lookup. There’s also quick access to AI Overviews and AI Mode, both part of Google’s Gemini initiative, underscoring the company’s push to make search more intelligent and visual.

Early Restrictions

For now, the app is limited. It works only in English, supports personal Google accounts in the US, and requires Windows 10 or later. Workspace accounts aren’t compatible, and Google has acknowledged that this first version comes with several restrictions.

Cloud and Privacy Focus

Unlike traditional desktop productivity tools, the app does not integrate with services like OneDrive, Teams or Slack. Instead, it stays focused on unifying personal Google account data with desktop search. All search activity is tied to the Google ID you use to log in, giving clarity on how information is handled.

ALSO READ: Snap OS 2.0 Announced With Smarter Tools And AR Upgrades For Spectacles

Limited Rollout Through Google Labs

Those interested will need to sign up via Google Labs and join a waitlist, as availability is still restricted. By placing this tool directly on the desktop, Google is signalling a broader vision for search: blending local files, cloud data and the web into a single, seamless experience outside the browser.