Google packs its ‘Essential’ apps onto the Start menu in new Windows PCs to give Microsoft a run for its money
Google’s Essentials desktop app will appear on the Start menu in some new Windows laptops, starting with HP.
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What you need to know
Google is launching a new desktop app dubbedGoogle Essentials, which, according to the company, will help users “discover and install many of our best Google services.” The desktop app features Google’s primary services, including Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google Messages.
The Essentials app will first ship preinstalled on all newHP laptops, including Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, and Victus. Later, it is expected to be available on more Windows laptops.
Google Essentials can be accessed directly fromWindows 11’s Start menu, but Google will allow users to uninstall any Google service or the Google Essentials altogether.
The app is a hub for shortcuts to Google’s popular productivity services and a centralized location for the user’s Google account information. “You can also access Google Photos and Google Messages from Google Essentials, making it easier to enjoy your photo albums and respond to texts from friends and family,” the company added.
Finally, eligible subscribers will get a 2-month Google One free trial through Google’s new Essentials app.
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Microsoft’s Windows 11 is 100% DMA compliant
Earlier this year, Microsoft highlighted changes it had implemented to make its servicesDMA-compliantafter beinglisted as a gatekeeper by the European Union, including letting users uninstall OneDrive, Edge, Bing, and pin third-party apps on the taskbar in Windows 11.
The tech giant was initially listed as a gatekeeper because of its Bing, Edge, and Windows services. However, Microsoft argued itsBing and Edge services don’t meet the threshold for regulation, placing them at a competitive disadvantage against rivals.
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Upon scrutiny and investigation, the watchdog determined thatthe services weren’t dominant enough in the digital marketto warrant DMA regulation, ultimately exempting them from the exercise.
However, Mozilla blasted Microsoft forusing deceptive tricks and harmful designs to trick users into using Microsoft Edge in Windows. Additionally, Opera recently filed a complaint asking the EU General Court toannul the European Commission’s decision not to designate Microsoft Edge as a gatekeeperunder the Digital Markets Act. The complaint highlighted that Microsoft has made it difficult for users to use third-party browsers as the system default on Windows devices.
Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.
