Google has released an upgrade to its desktop search program. Called the "Sidebar", the update will sit on a user's desktop pulling news stories, photographs, weather reports, stock quotes and other features, all without the need to utilize a web browser. Sidebar does not require the user to select content relevant to them; it's more intelligent than that. Instead, it observes what kind of content the user is interested in and serves it up. Google Desktop is also bundled into Sidebar.
Sidebar could also be seen to be directly attacking Microsoft's Office and its Windows operating system; users can type in "word" to the Quick Find tool, which will bring up an icon for Microsoft's ubiquitous word processing programme. This feature allows users to by-pass Microsoft's "Start" menu. Google's programme also incorporates a scratch pad function where users can type and save text notes.