Google is putting all its core services into an Essentials app for your Windows PC
Google apps are everywhere. Outside of Apple devices, virtually every computer, phone, and tablet runs the company’s software in some form or another out of the box. But have you ever wondered if there’s an important or particularly useful app you should have? Well, it looks like the tech giant is answering those burning questions with the new Google Essentials.
It’s an app that reportedly lets you easily “discover and install” “many of” the brand’s first-party services on Windows. Essentials technically already existbut those apps are more focused on office environments. This upcoming set is for the everyday users and judging by the official announcementEssentials apps are divided into two main categories.
The first group contains a collection of shortcuts to productivity platforms, such as Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar. It even offers quick access to Google Photos and Messages, so you can enjoy your photo albums [or] respond to texts at any time. Eligible Essentials users will also receive a Basic Google One trial subscription.
The second group is all about gaming. With the Google Play Games platform, you can try out thousands of titles and by logging into your Play Games account, you can sync your game progress across all devices.
Gradual release
Google Essentials won’t be released to all Windows computers at once. Instead, it will be rolled out gradually.
Several HP laptop lines, including the Spectre, Envy, Omen and Pavilion, will get Google Essentials first, with the OmniBook lines getting it later. On HP laptops, Essentials will be found in the Start menu, and you can use the app to switch between your phone and laptop.
Google further states that users can remove any of the service’s shortcuts, or “Essentials,” at any time, and that it’s not built into the laptop. There are plans to eventually expand the app to Windows laptops and desktops in the coming months.
It’s unknown when Essentialls will be widely available, and we don’t know which models will receive the update. We’ve reached out to Google for additional information and will update this story if we hear back.
Until then, check out TechRadar’s list of the best Windows laptops for 2024.
