The window of opportunity for Google

Google has launched version 2.0 of Google Desktop, the free software that lets you do a load of things from your PC in addition to searching for files.

'Loads of things' is the key phrase. This is far, far beyond purely search as the screenshots show. Focused on a sidebar or dashboard, the new Google Desktop aggregates email, news, RSS feeds, and more all in one place.

An article in today's Financial Times (paid sub) has a very interesting take on Google's new offering:

[...] Microsoft, which has been playing catch-up with Google in search, could feel Desktop is invading its control of the user interface in Windows, ahead of the introduction of its next-generation Vista operating system next year.

Analysts said the upgraded software, which allows users to launch programs, search their hard drives and access recent documents and emails, could be used as an alternative to Microsoft's operating system.

I really can't see how this would be an alternative to any Microsoft operating system (you need the OS on which to run the application) unless Google's getting into the OS business. But maybe this from the FT's article might explain that idea a little more:

[...] Google Desktop 2.0 features a “sidebar” a single-column stand-alone strip of information that includes news, weather, stock data, a notepad, photos and easy links to frequently accessed data and programs. “I would describe Sidebar as a dashboard, or a series of shortcuts that circumvent the need to go through the Microsoft operating system. It's an integration of content on your desktop as well as from the internet,” says Greg Sterling, analyst with the Kelsey Group.

While I remain a big fan of Copernic Desktop Search - now version 1.6, and very good indeed - as my preferred desktop-based search tool, maybe it's time to look at Google's greatly expanded offering. I've stuck with Copernic since the beginning of this year after trying out most of the search tools now on the market. But Google Desktop version 2.0 does look very attractive indeed.

Comments

[Adam]

I've used and enjoyed Copernic in the past, and I still feel it's superior to GD2 in some ways... specifically the ability to gradually and easily drill down by multiple fields.

But GD2 is a richer overall offering, as I note in my Google Desktop review at http://www.bladam.com/archives/0508220112.htm

[Adrian Trenholm]

No doubt Google Toolbar will be hugely successful, but I wonder why. Is it because it is genuinely an advance on what we have now, or because we love shiny new widgets? Thunderbird and Outlook (with search and RSS plugins) already provide one interface for both mail and rss / news. For quick access to apps and files, just put a shortcut in the Outlook bar. Or use AutoHotkey or ActiveWords. The way the Google app does a live search seems pretty neat, but is it that big a deal? Unless you are stockbroker, why do you want a stock ticker? For weather, look out of the window.

I understand that the Google toolbar does a lot, but the key question for every app is does it help the user do a lot, and do it more efficiently? Or is it simply another desktop distraction?

[Brian Schneeberg]

The Google Sidebar is certainly cool (as is Konfabulator, Desktop Sidebar, Apple Dashboard, and, eventually, the Windows Vista Sidebar). However, it is only part of the answer to having a fully integrated "personal intelligence agent" at your disposal. If you want to get a glimpse at the next two or three steps beyond what Google and the like are doing, check out my Mentations product at www.mentations.com. While still an early beta, I hope the intent is clear as to the direction we are taking it! BTW, any constructive criticism is most welcome.

[Rob S]

I must say that Google has done something very nice with this latest version of Google Desktop. I have a wide screen laptop so the bar on the right does not distract me. In fact, right now I've got my Onfolio toolbar on the left with all of my RSS feeds and the Google bar on the right. I've activated the "advanced" features which send info back to Google about my surfing habits. At first I was ready to balk at the feature due to privacy but I decided to give it a shot. Well, a few minutes age a link to the Hobson and Holtz Report magically appeared in the Web Clips section. I also have a nice random slideshow of the photos on my computer going in the Photos section.

My quick take is that so far Google Desktop is not a distraction but I haven't used the toolbar enough to say whether or not it helps me more productive. I'll have more to say on that in a few days. One thing that is apparent to me is the fact that Google is definitely making a stronger move onto the desktop. And while they're very complimentary to Microsoft right now, can a Google OS be more than a few years away? I wonder.

[Shel Holtz]

I've looked at it and it's still not enough to make me give up X1.

[Richard Byrom]

And they just announced the release of Google Talk which I blogged on here http://www.richardbyrom.com/index.php/weblog/entry/google-talk-a-new-instant-messaging-im-service/. Could pose a serious threat to Skype!

[Neville Hobson]

Well, I tried Google Desktop 2.0 - and uninstalled it pretty quickly, just as I did when I tried out the first version.

I just don't like it. Far too many bells and whistles for my taste. I don't want a dashbaord or sidebar, at least not one like this. I'll wait for the one that comes along that really is a seamless part of my operating system.

What I want is an effective and easy-to-use search tool that will find the things I'm looking for wherever they are, whether on the net or on my desktop, or on any computer on my network, and whatever the file type.

Google, MSN, etc, can do many of these things. For me, though, Copernic Desktop Search is the tool I like best. Every time I use it, it produces the exact results I want. And the Google tool is a big resource hog especially when it's indexing.

No, I really don't like it so it's still Copernic for me.

Richard, I tried Google Talk yesterday (see post today). A Skype killer? No chance. At least, not yet.