April 25, 2026, 9:47 am | Read time: 2 minutes
The well-known Google app, familiar to many from Android devices, is now available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is a standalone application that simplifies access to web search. Instead of opening the browser, a keyboard shortcut using the Alt key and spacebar is sufficient. This allows the search to start directly, without detours through additional programs.
In addition to the classic search, the application offers other features. According to the official app page, it also serves as access to the AI “Gemini” and the image recognition tool Google Lens. Content on the screen can be highlighted, text copied, and additional information retrieved. The results appear directly in the app window. Switching to other applications is not necessary.
Features Reminiscent of Well-Known AI Assistant
The application goes beyond a mere search function. It can also search local files and installed programs on the computer. Those who sign in with a Google account gain additional access to content from Google Workspace, allowing various data sources to be consolidated in one place.
This central consolidation, however, raises questions. Particularly concerning data privacy, it remains unclear how exactly the data is processed. It is likely that some information is not processed locally on the computer but on Google’s servers. Whether personal content is uploaded in the process is currently unknown.
Cautious Launch Without Major Announcement
The app’s introduction is happening without significant public communication. An official announcement or blog post on the website is still missing. Additionally, the application is currently only available in English, even though other features like the AI mode are already ready for use in Germany.
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There are also restrictions on downloading. According to the notice, the app is intended for users aged 13 and older. However, no actual age verification takes place. The cautious launch might be related to general skepticism toward AI applications. Previous features on the PC, such as Microsoft’s Recall feature, have faced criticism.