Google is Bringing a Search App to Windows

Well, this one came out of nowhere, but Google is experimenting with a new app for Windows that will combine the online giant’s Search, AI, and Drive capabilities into a single experience.

“Today, we’re launching a new experimental Google app for Windows in Labs to help you find what you need, faster,” Google’s Vinay Mahagaokar writes. “Now you can search without switching windows or interrupting your flow. Whether you’re writing in a doc or in the middle of a game, just press Alt + Space to instantly search for information from your computer files, installed apps, Google Drive files — and of course, the web.”

Based on that description and the stylized screenshot that Google provided (above), this sounds and looks a lot like Spotlight Search on the Mac and Windows Command Palette (formerly PowerToys Run) on Windows. And Mahagaokar adds that it has Google Lens built in so you can “translate images or text, get help with homework problems and more.” So it’s a bit like Copilot too, I guess.

I’ve only just downloaded the app and will see how it goes tonight and tomorrow. But if you want to get started now, you can learn more and download the app from the Google Labs website. That is, if you’re in the U.S. and speak English. Apparently, it’s pretty limited right now.

And move quickly: Google says space is limited, so it will eventually cut off the download.