Google is testing a lightweight search app for Windows that aims to pull users away from Microsoft’s built-in search. The app surfaces web results alongside content from installed applications, local files, and Google Drive, and it’s designed to be available instantly via a keyboard shortcut.
Once installed, the search field appears whenever you press Alt + Space, whether you’re on the desktop or in a full-screen game.
The app requires signing in with a Google account so it can access files stored on Google Drive and integrate other Google services. That account link also enables an AI-enhanced experience through built-in Google Lens functionality.
AI and Lens bring visual and contextual tools to the desktop
Google Lens is embedded directly into the search interface and can work with visual content on your screen. For example, you can select a math problem displayed anywhere on your monitor and ask the AI to solve it. You can also highlight foreign-language text and request a translation.
Search results can be filtered into the familiar categories used by Google’s web search, including images, shopping and videos, providing an organized view of whatever you’re looking for.
