Google Does a Deskbar

Expanding on its success with its toolbar, Google launched a new Google Labs experiment today: the Google Deskbar. Rather than a browser add-on, like the HotBot deskbar, it appears in the Windows taskbar and can function independent of the browser. It can be used for many Google functions, including the calculator, definitions, Web searches, news, groups, Froogle, and more.

Unfortunately, it still only works for those with Windows 98 or higher and requires Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher. It displays the results in a mini-viewer instead of the full browser, and because of that can be faster than opening up a browser to see results. However, the mini-viewer can send a page to a user's default browser which does not have to be Internet Explorer. Even so, like the toolbar, it is yet another way that Google tries to get users to rely primarily on its search services rather than others.

The announcement I received from Google, but which is not on their site, reads as follows:

Today, Google released a new Google Labs experiment called the Google Deskbar, a search application that enables PC users to perform Google searches at any time from any application.

The Google Deskbar is a free software download that appears as a search box in the Windows taskbar at the bottom right of most Windows-based PCs. Users enter queries into the search box and results are automatically displayed in a small pane that rises above the Deskbar and overlays a corner of the application they’re using.

The Deskbar provides instant access to information on the web, from any application. For instance, a user in the midst of typing an e-mail can check facts or find definitions by simply entering words and phrases into the Google Deskbar. Additionally, typing Ctrl + Alt + G automatically positions the cursor into the deskbar search box, enabling users to search instantly without having to move the mouse. When users highlight text on a page and press Ctrl + Alt + G, the highlighted text is automatically inserted into the search box.

Forward and back buttons to the top left of the Deskbar pane enable users to easily click through results pages, and a small arrow-shaped link launches a browser for users who wish to view results in full screen. The deskbar menu offers links to all Google services and to helpful web resources such as definitions, stock quotes and other useful information. Users can customize these links via the Options menu. This is an English-language only product and is available for Windows users running IE 5.5 or higher versions.

We’re excited about experimenting with new technologies that make it faster and easier for people to connect with the information they need. With the Google Deskbar, users get a great search experience without moving their fingers from the keyboard, from whatever application they’re currently using.