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14h ago

Google Debuts Experimental Windows App With Spotlight-Style Universal Search

The experiment limits access to English-speaking personal-account users in the U.S.

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computer screen with Google search and keyboard
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.
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Overview

  • Pressing Alt + Space opens a single bar that searches local files, installed apps, Google Drive, and the web.
  • Google Lens is built in, letting users select anything on screen to look up images, translate text, or copy content.
  • Results can surface quick answers and link to AI Overviews, with an AI Mode for deeper, conversational responses.
  • The app is available via Search Labs on Windows 10 or newer in the U.S., English only, and requires sign-in with a personal Google Account, with Workspace accounts unsupported.
  • Google labels the app experimental with known limitations, and users can allow it to view the current screen for context-aware follow-up questions.