Just today, Google has released Google Desktop for Mac in beta. It will index applications, PDF’s, files supported by Spotlight’s plug-ins, and the history to your web browser which then makes it possible to search.
The quick search box will give users a fast way to launch applications which could potentially clear up clutter on your desktop and in your dock. It will require Mac OS 10.4+.
Gizmodo’s first reactions are that it’s solid, but feels slower than Spotlight which essentially does the same thing – helps you find anything on your computer including files, email, images, etc. While I don’t use a Mac, a few people that I know that use Macs say that Spotlight is already a good indexing solution, so Google Desktop really won’t offer much more.
While you’re installing Google Desktop for Mac, bundled with it is a new Google updater which will be an easy way for you to keep up with all of the latest Mac OS X software that Google has to offer.
Gizmodo gave a great run through explaining the setup process, and a few tips of what you can do with it once it is installed. I’m sure as more people use it, there will be a general consensus of what’s great about it and what needs improvement. If you’re a Mac user, give it a try and let us know what you think. You can find the download here.
See I just don’t get it. I would never use Google Desktop on my Vista machine because Vista’s search is fine and works great.
Similarly, Mac’s Spotlight is awesome and does a fantastic job of indexing and searching Mac computers… so I don’t know why Google developed a desktop search for Mac. I understand why they did for XP but not for Mac…. oh well I still love Google!
I’m in the same boat as you! I love Vista’s built-in search because it is everywhere and much more integrated than Google’s search can ever be. So I stay away from Google Desktop because the usefulness is nowhere near what it was on XP.
While I generally like Google and most of the products that they have to offer- at times it seems as though they want to get their hand in everything. And not always does it work for them.
I am a huge Google fan and get excited almost every time they make an announcement – especially with regard to mac applications! However, with a program like [quicksilver.blacktree.com] out there for free, the Google Desktop Search for Mac’s just won’t be a crowd pleaser.
I agree with Ashley here. Google may not necessarily be looking to dominate Mac desktop search. They may be taking the attitude (not publicly of course) that they’ll take what they can get.
Yeah good points as well guys. Google does seem to act like they can do something in everything no matter what it is and I think Ryan has brought up the point a few times – something like:
Why doesn’t Google just concentrate on their core products and make them the best they can be? Better than everyone else, more features, stability etc. Just make their most popular stuff killer and not worry about dipping their hands in every little niche.