<img src="http://www.webpronews.com/images/Deskbarquicklaunch.jpg" align="right">Google Deskbar
Google Deskbar Observations
Nathan Weinberg | Contributing Writer | 2005-08-22
So, I've been trying out the various features of the new Google Desktop 2, and one thing that grabs me is the Deskbar. Since I find the Sidebar takes up too much space without doing enough, I've been running the Deskbar instead.
The Deskbar has some good stuff. Like the sidebar's search box, it has the search-as-you-type ability. I've found this most useful as a quick Start Menu, as I can type in a letter or two and get a quick list of Start Menu programs. Of course, this is a feature in the beta of Windows Vista that has been getting some terrible press, so all it does is make me wonder how many Vista features Google plans on "adapting" for Desktop, and why Vista users will install Desktop at all.
See, it is a good idea for Google to compete directly with Microsoft's products (although copying them outright would just be wrong). But if all Desktop does is emulate Vista features, Vista users will be hard pressed to have any reason to install it on their new or upgraded systems. After all, if Microsoft is doing it at the operating system level, who needs a third-party utility to do the same thing?
On the other hand, if Vista is a collosal dissapointment, or these specific features are poorly realized in Vista, Google can deal a massive blow to Microsoft with an ad campaign that proclaimes Desktop as "The Real Next Generation Operating System". Those dissapointed with Vista could "fix" the OS by using Desktop, and Windows XP users could avoid upgrading entirely (and avoid giving Microsoft any money) by using Desktop.
Its a very tricky idea, and if indications of Vista are accurate, it isn't likely to work. Competing with the next generation of Windows within Windows is a difficult concept at best. Google has done its best work catching Microsoft when it was down. Microsoft is no down on Vista, just behind schedule. Once Vista is around, will Google lose out?
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