Google Launches New Windows Desktop App with Spotlight-Like Search in Labs Experiment

Google has launched a new experimental search app for Windows, available through its Search Labs platform, designed to help users quickly find information without leaving their current task. The app allows users to press Alt + Space to instantly bring up a search interface that pulls results from their local computer files, installed applications, Google Drive, and the web. This seamless integration aims to minimize interruptions and keep users in the flow of work or play, whether they're writing a document, coding, or gaming. The app features a clean, Chrome-like interface and requires users to sign in with a Google account. It’s currently available only to personal accounts, in English, and limited to users in the United States. Once activated, the search tool supports multiple result types, including standard web results, AI-powered responses in AI Mode, images, and videos—similar to the full Google search experience. One of the standout features is the built-in Google Lens functionality, which enables users to select and search any content on their screen. This includes text from images, screenshots, or documents, allowing for instant translation, text extraction, or problem-solving. For example, a student could highlight a math equation from a homework assignment and ask the AI to walk through the solution. Google’s AI Mode provides deeper, contextual answers and supports follow-up questions, helping users explore topics more thoroughly with helpful links and references. The app is designed to function much like Apple’s Spotlight search on macOS, combining local file search with web results and AI assistance. However, it goes further by integrating Google’s AI and visual search tools directly into the workflow, making it a more powerful assistant for both productivity and learning. Google has emphasized that this is an experimental product, and users can opt in via Search Labs to try it out. The company is likely gathering feedback to refine the app before a broader rollout. While it currently lacks support for other languages and regions, its launch signals Google’s growing focus on AI-driven, context-aware search tools that work across devices and platforms. This initiative reflects a broader shift in how search is evolving—from a simple web query tool to an intelligent, integrated assistant embedded within the user’s digital environment. By combining local file access, AI responses, and visual search, Google is positioning its new Windows app as a central hub for information retrieval, aiming to reduce friction between tasks and enhance productivity. The move also strengthens Google’s presence on the Windows ecosystem, competing with built-in tools like Windows Search and Spotlight, while leveraging its strengths in AI and web indexing. As AI continues to reshape user experiences, tools like this could become essential for navigating the increasing volume of digital content. For now, the app remains in testing, with no official timeline for a full release. But early adopters in the U.S. can already explore its capabilities, offering a glimpse into the future of search: fast, contextual, and deeply integrated into the user’s daily workflow.