Google Searchfor Windows

Google is the most widely used search engine in the world, with over 3.5 billion searches per day. Since its launch in 1998, it’s continually proven to be the most trusted web search engine out there. Google itself has since branched into multiple highly profitable business arms. Google Search for Windows 10 is a desktop and mobile app that takes the browsing out of the browser, for a sleeker and slightly more functional experience. Windows’ attempt to make its users search via its native Bing led to the community feeling pigeonholed. Users with Windows devices were forced to open a mobile app browser to perform a Google search, until this app’s inception in 2012. Its latest version also gives users access to other Google apps and provides a voice-activated search function. Anyone with a Windows device, who prefers a Google search over Bing, should consider this option.

Search whatever you want in the blink of an eye

Google Search finally gives Windows users the ability to use their favorite search tool via an app, but leaves the community wondering if its functionality is worth the download.

Windows device-using Google fans finally have an app to perform web searches with Google Search for Windows 10. Previously, those with Windows devices (computers, phones, tablets) were forced to open a browser app to access Google. That presented awkward navigation and a clunky user experience, frustrating users who just want these big tech companies to play nice. Windows device users can finally perform their internet searches via the Google Search app now, finally filling the gap. The Google Search app for Windows 10 devices has basic Google Search functionality (as one would find within a browser), with a cleaner, mobile-optimized look and feel. Enjoy the highly rated voice-enabled search function within the app as well, making quick searches a breeze. With so much of the world turning to voice-enabled living, Google Search is clearly listening to its userbase by including this feature.

Look and feel

The overall aesthetic of the Google Search app for Windows 10 is impressive. It’s simple, easy to use, and everything is where you would expect to find it. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what a webpage looks like before clicking on a particular search result? Upon executing a search within the app, “Instant Previews” pop up with a visual of the top page results from your search. This helps you make a quicker, more informed decision as you choose which page to click. Search result websites are opened within the app itself. However, there is an option to “Open in Browser”. The feature “Find in Page” is very handy and a definite advantage over searching within a simple browser.

Additional Google apps can also be accessed via a portal within the Google Search app, further helping Windows users easily access their Google services. Gmail, Calendar, Drive, News, Photos, Maps, YouTube, Translate, Voice, Finance, and Books are some of the most popular services users can reach via the Google Search app. While these web apps open within the Google Search app, the key functionality and purpose of the app remains the search function itself.

Users can swipe up from the bottom of the app or right click to access more options. Search on your terms by easily adjusting the Google Search Settings including whether or not to record search history on that particular device. You can also clear search history from each device. A full app tutorial is available for users needing a better understanding of how to use the service.

Security and privacy

Safety within the Google Search app are the same as with any Google search or service. Google’s Privacy Policy is surprisingly user-friendly and easy to understand. Unlike most privacy policies which are mostly walls of text, Google seems to actually want the user to understand how their data is being used, providing artistic and descriptive videos to help lift the fog. Google collects standard information including search terms, videos watched, ad views and interactions, purchases, etc. They claim they collect this data in order to better provide, maintain, improve, and develop their services.

Where can you run this program?

Google Search app runs on devices with Windows 8 and later. The app is free to install and use.

Is there a better alternative?

The Google Search app was created to allow Windows users access to their preferred search engine and Google apps via the web apps functionality. The only choice users had before this software release was searching within a web browser directly. The Windows community requested this app for a while and Google and Windows finally delivered, first offering it on Windows 8 devices. Today, users still have the ability to perform a Google search within a web browser, however this is seen as the inferior option. Of course, searching via another browser (Yahoo, Bing, etc.) is available, however Google accounts for 95% of all internet searches, so it’s safe to say users prefer to search with Google.

Our take

You want to perform your Google searches within a mobile-enabled app, not a tiny browser window. For that reason, the Google Search app for Windows 10 devices (especially phones and tablets) is an ideal solution. While Google and Microsoft continue to be predictable adversaries, this solution is an olive branch that just may make your life easier.

Should you download it?

As a Windows PC user, there is not a major advantage to downloading this app to a desktop. You can easily open your browser (hint: Google Chrome) and easily perform your Google search. There is no clear motivator to download this to a Windows PC.

Users with Windows phones and tablets are the true benefactors of this app, providing them with the ability to perform their Google search in a clean, integrated app synced across all devices. Downloading Google Search for your Windows phone or tablet will facilitate easier browsing and access to your favorite Google webapps.