Google Infiltrates Microsoft's Ground with Desktop Upgrade
Google is launching an upgrade to its free software, Google Desktop, which mirrors many of the functions of Microsoft's Windows, including launching programs, searching hard drives, and accessing recent documents and emails. The upgrade, version 2.0, features a "sidebar" that includes news, weather, stock data, a notepad, photos, and easy links to frequently accessed data and programs. Analysts believe this upgrade erodes the primacy of the web browser and is similar to Apple's Widgets and Konfabulator.
Key Takeaways:
- Google Desktop 2.0 allows users to launch programs, search their hard drives, and access recent documents and emails.
- The upgrade features a "sidebar" that includes news, weather, stock data, a notepad, photos, and easy links to frequently accessed data and programs.
- Analysts believe the concept erodes the primacy of the web browser, similar to Apple's Widgets and Konfabulator.
- Google is providing external software developers with tools for writing "plug-ins" for the Sidebar, encouraging a rush to create new applications.
- The upgrade includes a "deskbar" search bar embedded in the Windows taskbar and a search toolbar in the Outlook e-mail program.
- Google Desktop 2.0 only runs on Windows XP and updated versions of Windows 2000.
Statistics:
- $4bn: the amount Google said it would raise on the eve of the first anniversary of its initial public offering.
- 1 year: the time period until the introduction of Microsoft's next-generation Vista operating system.
- 2.0: the version number of Google Desktop, featuring the upgraded sidebar and deskbar search functionality.
Sources:
- Google Desktop 2.0
- The Wall Street Journal
- Financial Times
- Apple's Widgets
- Konfabulator