Google Desktop for Mac beta available [screenshots]
updated 02:00 am EDT, Wed April 4, 2007
Google Desktop for Mac
Google on Wednesday will introduce Google Desktop for the Mac (direct download), a new "Universal" application that indexes the contents of a Mac's hard drive, including applications, files, PDFs, and Web histories from Safari, Firefox, and Camino. The application, which will be released as a beta, will support Spotlight plug-ins and leverage Spotlight privacy features to prevent some documents from being searched. Google Desktop for Mac launches using the Command key (double-tap) and features "live search" that displays the last 10 results instantly, including the file name, a brief description, and highlighted search term. In addition, users can view other extended results in a Google-like webpage in the default browser.
The application includes a new Google application that enables users to stay up-to-date and download other Mac applications from the company. It also integrates with Google's Web search, offering both the ability to search the local desktop from Google.com (option can be turned off) or find more results from local search on the Web as well as user's Gmail account.
Google Desktop, installed as a System Preference, creates "snapshots" of indexed local files and other items from search results, enabling users to track certain files that are accidentally deleted or older versions of files, including results from previous Gmail searches when offline. Future versions are expected to include Gadget integration, according to the company.
Google Desktop will run on Mac OS X 10.4 or later on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs.
Spotlight?
04/04, 03:49am reply
Interesting announcement, but little to no mention of how this is superior to Spotlight in Tiger, or how it's going to be better than the upcoming enhancements in Leopard.
nhmlco
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2007
Requires 1GB of Your HD!
04/04, 04:18am reply
from their support page:
"To install, Google Desktop requires one gigabyte (GB) of space on your hard drive. Once you've installed, your personal Google Desktop index may require up to four additional GB."
zenwave
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Joined: Feb 2004
Welcome Google
04/04, 05:07am reply
Even though some features duplicate Spotlight, its great to have this app for the Mac.
I will definitely download it and check it out.
coldfusion1970
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Joined: Nov 2004
overkill...
04/04, 05:39am reply
requires 1GB of HD and how much processor will it hog? I'll stick with EasyFind (and not the unreliable, processor-hungry Spotlight.)
YangZone
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Joined: May 2000
I second that.....
04/04, 05:42am reply
It definitely seems like it duplicates some of Spoltlight's features (it was needed on XP as it had such a pathetic search function), so not sure how useful it will be for me but I'm definitely open to trying it. It's excellent to see Google finally bringing this to the Mac though and is another one of those previously PC only things that could well help switchers feel more comfortable on the Mac platform. It's a bit late coming, but better late than never so well done to Google for taking it on. Downloading it now!
Recto Bold
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Store is down
04/04, 07:12am reply
Store is down
starwarrior
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2006
using Google Desktop
04/04, 02:29pm reply
Regarding CPU hogging, it will chug away the first couple of hours, depending on how many files you have. You can still do stuff at this time, it runs in the background.
After that initial run, it does a little work for each new file, changed file, etc., just like Spotlight. You won't notice it's there. Looks good to me so far.
TotalForge
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Joined: Dec 2006
indexing is painless
04/04, 05:37pm reply
I'm trying this thing out. Still indexing my several drives, but I don't notice even the smallest amount of slowdown. The process must be very low priority.
sessamoid
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Joined: Apr 2001
Spotlight vs. Google Desk
04/05, 07:58am reply
One feature of Google is that it displays the search terms in context. I have never seen any way to make Spotlight do that. This is very helpful in my work.
cgnorwood
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Joined: Dec 2002
FYI
04/06, 07:58am reply
All Google software is created by their primary backer, the CIA. They create this free software to compromise your computer's security and snoop every bit of data on the machine. Many agents have defected and gone public with these facts, and barely get local press. They want to see your documents, pictures, and most of all your email. Services like online schedules just further plug them into YOUR life. Don't help Google make 2007 like 1984.
mlowe969
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Joined: Jun 2002