Google Releases GDS 2.0

FansofTech writes "Google (now $4bn richer) has released v2.0 of Google Desktop. Many new features are introduced including improved Outlook filtering, Gmail indexing, and the feature which is most likely to cause the largest stir...a new Sidebar which displays RSS feeds, a Gmail inbox, news, scratch pad and more. Plug-ins for the new Sidebar are also available including a to-do list, clock, and more. As one blogger pointed out this morning...the release of Google Desktop 2.0 is beginning to take shape as a browser in itself as the need for a Firefox or IE is almost eliminated."

Linux

[JonathanR]

Since it doesn't run on Linux, I'll still need IE for a while yet.

Hmm, really?

[MaestroSartori]

"...the need for a Firefox or IE is almost eliminated..."

Other than that minor, troublesome web-browsing feature presumably? :)

Google Digital Assistant

[simp]

I want my GDA (Google Digital Assistant). Then I can wander around the world and if I have a question I can look it up in my GDA.
And it should look friendly and reassuring.

Not true

[geekdreams]

Their browser will come bundled with their operating system.

First they take over the desktop

[Anonymous Coward]

Coming soon, Google Earth.. oh wait.

no comments??

[mE123]

This story has been here for an hour and still no comments??

Slashdot must be broken, because I know people aren't reading the article

Mac version

[jcostantino]

Ok, they have 4 billion dollars, where the fuck is the Mac version?

WTF? Where is Frost Pist?

[mysticgoat]

I've been hitting the "reload" button every half minute or so on these comments for a looonng time (in slashdot years) and I haven't seen any comments posted as yet? WTF??

OMG

[Anonymous Coward]

OMG! Somebody broke teh interweb!!1!!11!!

Re:Google Digital Assistant

[Anonymous Coward]

With DON'T PANIC written on it in large, friendly letters.

Re:Browser need eliminated?

[hyfe]

And how do you access GMail without a browser?

It's actually quite hard.Basically, it involves using the so-called "Post Office Protocol", one large hack of an inadequate mess. It's a bitch to set up, and not something I would wish upon anybody. Stay well clear!

If you're the masochistic type,check out these fairly esotoric sites though:
Explanation here [google.com] and more details here [wikipedia.org]

Re:Mac version

[Alystair]

Stop trying to put Google into the spotlight!

Re:I need another cup of the KoolAid..

[galego]

Not sure what the problem is,

That's easy ...

if ($newFeaures > $previousFeatures) {
&goodChance($bugs++);
&andStability($stability-1);
}

Re:The Wrong Direction

[nbritton]

"If you think about it, how many times do you know users who actually use the clock that is displayed on their task bar? I've seen many people at various places I've worked, completely ignore their own PC and look at the clock on the wall. Or, they might even ask someone, "do you know what time it is"? when it's right there in front of them. It's not that they're stupid or that they don't understand what that clock does. It's that they've been OVEREXPOSED to it. This holds true for weather, and headlines as well. Rather than bombarding the user with information, let it agreggate the info in a hidden area with constant updates. Then (much like the Dashboard in Mac OS X) using a special key combo, function key or maybe a clickable area, present the information as a translucent area over the existing desktop. This will then force the user to focus on the new information without being able to interact or be distracted by what is now backgrounded."


I've seen many people get up from their calculator and spend minutes looking for a calculator, explain that to me.

Re:No XP64

[Anonymous Coward]

Thank you for telling us, we were wondering.

Re:Google Digital Assistant

[thedbp]

But most importantly, it should be emblazoned with the words "Don't Panic."