Google apps are everywhere: Barring Apple devices, almost every computer, phone, and tablet runs some form of the company's software by default. But have you ever wondered which apps are essential or super useful? Now the tech giant looks to answer those burning questions with its new Google Essentials.
This is reportedly an app that will make it easier to “discover and install many of the brand's first-party services” on Windows. Essentials technically already exists, but those apps are more geared towards office environments. This new set is aimed at everyday users, and judging by the official announcement, the Essentials apps will be split into two main categories:
The first group contains a collection of shortcuts to productivity platforms like Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar. It also gives you quick access to Google Photos and Messages, letting you “Enjoy your photo albums.” [or] You can “Reply to a text message” at any time. Eligible Essentials users will also receive a two-month trial of the Google One Basic subscription plan.
The second group is about games: the Google Play Games platform lets you try out thousands of titles, and by signing in to your Play Games account, you can sync your in-game progress across devices.
Phased Release
Google Essentials isn't being released to all Windows computers all at once. It's being rolled out in stages.
Several of HP's laptop series, including Spectre, Envy, Omen, and Pavilion, will feature Google Essentials initially, with the OmniBook series coming later. On HP laptops, Essentials will live in the Start menu, allowing you to switch between your phone and laptop using the app.
Google also said that users can uninstall the service shortcuts or “Essentials as a whole” at any time and that it doesn't come built-in to laptops, with plans to expand the app to Windows laptops and desktop PCs in the coming months.
It's unclear when Essentialls will be widely available, or which models will receive the update. We've reached out to Google for additional information and will update this article if we hear back.
Until then, check out TechRadar's list of the best Windows laptops for 2024.