The new Windows app from Google has the best feature from macOS, and it's free.
Spotlight is one of the most useful features for finding files, applications, and accessing settings on a Mac. While many developers have attempted to replicate it for other operating systems, few have succeeded. Now, Google joins this list with a new desktop application for Windows: a version of Spotlight.
If you feel like you've seen this before, you're right. Google's Windows app was announced a few months ago, promising a more intuitive and user-friendly way to search the internet and your computer. Unfortunately, that version was only available as a preview for English-speaking users in the United States.
Today, at least in terms of availability, this changes, as Google has confirmed that the desktop application is now available globally. The only limitation is that it can only be installed in English, so we'll have to wait a few weeks or months to use it in Spanish. If language isn't a barrier, you'll have access to many features that are very reminiscent of the command panel in PowerToys.
Functionally, the Google app is activated by pressing Alt + Space together, which opens a search box in the middle of the desktop. Similar to Spotlight, users simply type in their search query, and the app will search the internet, local files on the computer, or those stored in Google Drive.
The results are sorted by source (local or online) and category to make it easier for you to identify them.
Artificial intelligence in Gemini is the highlight of Google's new Windows application.
One of the features that distinguishes the Google app from other Windows applications is access to Gemini. Users can ask questions, and the AI will respond in a manner similar to what you would see in an online search engine, with the option to start a conversation with Gemini to ask further questions.
The app also includes Google Lens integration, which lets you capture a portion of your screen to search for images or text. If you want to share the entire screen, you can do so via a button at the bottom. This feature works similarly to what you see on mobile devices, but now you can do it directly from your Windows desktop without having to press the Print Screen button, open Google, and paste the screenshot into the search box.
If you want to download the desktop app, all you need is a computer running Windows 10 or later and a Google account to sync your data. The app is currently only available in English, and the AI mode is only enabled in countries where it's already offered. Google hasn't yet announced whether the app will be available in Spanish, but it's likely to be released within a few weeks.
It's important to note that installing the app grants Google access to your device. The company will be able to index your local documents for searches, with potential privacy implications. If you don't want to take this risk, you can download Flow Launcher , a free tool that doesn't consume many system resources and supports plugins.
- The application is available through Labs for computers