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yesterday

Google Tests Windows App With Spotlight‑Style Search, Lens and AI

Access is limited to U.S. personal accounts through Search Labs.

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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 floating bar that searches local files, installed apps, Google Drive and the web with results grouped by source.
  • Google Lens is built in, letting users select on‑screen text or images to translate, copy or search without switching windows.
  • An optional AI Mode provides conversational answers and can explain on‑screen content when granted permission to view it.
  • The experiment supports Windows 10 and 11, runs only in English, has limited slots and does not support Google Workspace accounts.
  • Installation requires signing in and explicit consent for local and Drive access, which can be disabled, and Google flags known early limitations.