In temporary: Microsoft is testing desktop widgets within the newest Windows 11 Insider preview. One is a search bar proper on the desktop. It might show genuinely useful, nevertheless it may be a brand new weapon in Microsoft’s struggle in opposition to Google Chrome.
“Select” Windows 11 Insiders who set up preview construct 25120 ought to see a search bar close to the highest of the desktop. Unlike queries in a window’s taskbar, which search for apps, native information, and web sites, the brand new search bar solely appears to convey up internet outcomes. Using it could show faster and simpler to entry than booting up an internet browser.
Microsoft would not say which browser the widget opens for outcomes, which search engine it makes use of, or whether or not customers get to determine. Microsoft has been pushing Windows customers onto its search engine and internet browser for fairly some time. So, it would not be shocking if it defaults to opening Bing leads to Edge.
Since launching Windows 11, Microsoft has taken criticism from customers and rivals for making it more durable to modify from Edge to a different browser, like Google Chrome. It has added after which eliminated steps in that course of, used popups to discourage switching, and given Edge a free VPN service. A brand new technique of creating Bing and Edge extra interesting may very well be placing them proper on the desktop, the place they’re faster to achieve than opening Chrome to do a Google search.
The desktop search subject remains to be experimental, so there isn’t a assure it or different widgets will make it out of the preview. Microsoft is requesting suggestions on them from Insiders, and a chilly reception might kill the function.
