New Google toolbar for IE includes desktop search

Correction:This post initially misstated where sponsored results show up. Sponsored results show up in toolbar searches and Google.com searches only.

Google on Tuesday released a new version if its software toolbar for Internet Explorer. Included is a feature carried over from the company's desktop search product--a search box that runs whether or not you have your browser open. This special box sits next to the Start button on your taskbar, and lets you search the Web, your browser bookmarks, and any files and applications you have on your PC.

In a blog post, the company said this release is an attempt to put the focus back on search. More importantly, it's getting people to start a Google search whether or not they've got their browser open--giving the company more chances to serve up ads. Part of that is already apparent, as users get sponsored results through toolbar searches, just like they would when searching from Google.com.

The new quick search option puts a search box on your taskbar.

(Credit: Google )

Other new features include the recently visited pages and bookmarks start page that first shipped with Chrome, then came to Firefox with its latest Google toolbar release. Google has also added its synchronization service, which will let you access your same Google bookmarks and autofill form information from multiple computers.

Users already running Google's desktop search program can turn off the quick search box, or use it as a replacement. Google has posted instructions for doing that here.

[Vegaman_Dan]

No thank you, Google. You're getting a bit too invasive as it is- I don't want you going through my computer's content to serve ads to me based on content.

Do Not Want.

[eltoro2827]

what he said.

[derilium]

Well, I'd expect a much better performance from Google. The button on the taskbar is not well integrated. It doesn't look like a button (more like an ad), but if you look closely, you can see a faint outline. Google should either make it look like text or a button.. not something that's in between.

Also, the search isn't very great. Well, to start, it doesn't automatically select applications (and you can't customize that either). Even if I type in the exact name of the application, it doesn't select the application.. for example "VLC Media Player" and press enter launches a google search. Oh, and it's kind of ad-like in some way because there's a giant google toolbar logo when you first open it, a message asking for feedback when you search, sponsored searches.. I really don't like it.. AT ALL.

[PhaseDMA]

Blah. I'm the type of person who thinks Google can do no wrong, but even this at best leaves much to be desired.

[01Phyxius]

I totally agree.

[MafiaPenguin]

I for one love it....

[Doc139115]

if i wanted google desktop i would download google desktop