Google has released a Windows desktop app that functions like macOS’s Spotlight, bringing a unified search experience to PCs. The app is now available globally in English and can be downloaded from Google’s website. It targets Windows 10 or newer and combines local file search with web search and Google Drive content.
How the app works
By pressing Alt + Space, users can bring up the desktop search bar. From there, the app supports searches across the web, files on your computer, and Google Drive. While searching, users can click through different views such as All, Images, and AI Mode.
Visual search and screen sharing features
If users want to ask Google questions about what they’re looking at on their computer, they can use Google Lens or share their screen. This allows users to provide visual context for their queries.
Cross-platform availability unclear
It remains unclear whether the app is coming to macOS or Linux. Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment on cross-platform plans. However, Google is reportedly testing a Gemini app for macOS. If released, that would place Google’s AI assistant in direct competition with other AI chatbot apps on macOS, including Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Source: The Verge