Google launches Desktop 2

Posted on Friday, November 04 2005 @ 23:39 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Google today kicked its Desktop program out of beta by launching version 2. Google Desktop is a free downloadable application that combines desktop search with an intelligent sidebar that learns the user's habits and interests to offer all the information of interest to them in one convenient location.

And, for those of you who spend most of your waking lives at work, you'll be glad to know that Google Desktop for Enterprise is having a little coming out party of its own! In conjunction with the Google Search Appliance and Mini, Google Desktop for Enterprise delivers one-stop searching across the desktop, intranet and the web.

The daily grind might be hard, but finding-the-proposal-that-you-vaguely-remember-e-mailing-that-guy-in-London-six-weeks-ago, is easy. Just part of our continued commitment to give our users the power of Google at the office.

Product additions include:
  • Personalized Maps Panel – This new Sidebar panel rotates through maps relevant to the user's location and interests. Like most features in the Sidebar, the panel is auto personalized and does not require input from the user unless they'd like to customize the display. In addition to maps based on the user's activity and location, the map rotation also includes maps of popular locations around the world such as Paris, Hong Kong, and Cairo.
  • Enhanced API – New support for script based plug-ins makes developing panels for Sidebar much easier. Now developers and non-developers alike can use simple JavaScript to write powerful plug-ins with great results. Additional details on the updated Google Desktop API are available at http://desktop.google.com/developer.html.
  • New Third-Party Plug-ins – Dozens of new Sidebar panels have been developed using the Google Desktop API. A few notable examples include panels for iTunes and Winamp, a dictionary, and an American Express panel to track and view credit card transactions in real time.
  • Enterprise Features – Google Desktop for Enterprise provides enhanced administration, integration and security features for business environments. Through a collaborative effort between Google and IBM, this release also offers improved search across IBM Lotus Notes messages.
  • You can download it here.


    About the Author

    Thomas De Maesschalck

    Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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