A new pair of desktop apps marks a rare move by Google beyond the browser. The company has released a dedicated search app for Windows and a Gemini app for Mac, putting its core services directly on the desktop instead of routing everything through Chrome or a web tab.

The Windows app focuses on search and quick access to Google services, acting as a system-level entry point for queries, documents, and notifications. On Mac, the Gemini app integrates the company’s generative AI assistant into the operating system, offering on-device access to chat, code help, and content drafting without relying on a traditional browser window.

Both launches highlight a shift in distribution strategy as Google looks to secure attention on platforms historically shaped by Microsoft and Apple. By embedding search and Gemini closer to the taskbar and dock, Google reduces friction for frequent queries and AI interactions, while testing how far it can extend its ecosystem on rival desktops.