California: Google Inc introduced an upgraded version of its Google Desktop software that incorporates a variety of other Google applications.
With this feature, they have stepped-up competition with Microsoft Corporation's Windows software.
Executives speaking to reporters at the company's Mountain View, California, headquarters also announced a range of new products including the ability for any Google user to analyze search trends and compare them to other search trends.
The Web search leader company also introduced Google Notebook, a text and graphics application that allows users to keep notes, or automatically save searches or Web site addresses.
It also said it plans to offer a more focused way to search Google for specific types of health and medical information.
Google Desktop functions as a platform that integrates a growing number of applications Google offers, including the recently introduced Google Calendar.
The new update also allows users and developers to independently create so-called Google Gadgets that run on the Google Desktop but connect via the Web to other services.
"Our focus is really shifting to being more open with our technology and allow people to really build on it," said Vice President of Google's search and technology, Marissa Mayer.
Google Desktop, which also helps users to organize information on their own computers, searches through a user's files and recommends different 'Google Gadgets' that may be of interest to the user, such as a program that lists local films or direct access to the eBay Inc auction platform.
Google Trends is a separate trial product that allows users to generate automatic graphs and charts of trends in user queries.
It is a custom version of the Google Zeitgeist, which tracks popular search trends on a weekly basis.
In one example, a Google executive typed 'boxers or briefs' into Google Trends to find out which was more widely searched.
"Boxers are apparently a little more popular than briefs," Vice President Jonathan Rosenberg said.
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