Google is developing a new desktop app called Essentials that packages some Google services, such as Messages and Photos, and includes links to download many other services. The app will be included in many new Windows laptops, the first of which are from HP.
According to a statement from Google, the Essentials app lets you “discover and install many of our best Google services,” and lets you browse Google Photos and send and receive Google messages within the app. The full list of apps hasn’t been released yet, but Google’s announcement art shows icons including Google Sheets, Google Drive, Nearby Share, and Google One (with a two-month free trial for new subscribers through Essentials).
HP will begin incorporating Google Essentials into its computer brands, such as Envy, Pavilion, Omen, etc. Google says you “have control over your experience” and can uninstall any part of Essentials or the entire content. It’s unclear whether you’ll be able to download the app to your current computer, in case you’re keen on Google-izing your Windows experience.
Essentials also includes Google’s Play Games app, which lets you download popular Android games such as clash of clans to your computer. You can access Google Play Games through the Essentials app (or even the HP Omen Gaming Hub app), play games, and continue your progress on your Android device with compatible games.
Google said it will bring Essentials to other Windows PCs in the future. edge HP and Google have been asked to provide more information.
