Google Labs is a place where Google works on their new and upcoming and often experimental software. They have just released their newest product which is the Google Deskbar. Similar to the Google Toolbar which embeds into Internet Explorer, but this emeds into the Windows taskbar! You don't even need to have IE open to use it, it will pop up a small inset window for you. :)

This is a good way for those Netscape/Mozilla/Opera users out there to take advantage of the Google Toolbar. You will still need to have at least IE 5.5 installed because it uses something in IE 5.5 to power it, but I THINK once it is installed you can use whatever browser you want and it will play nicely.

Give it a try! Tell your friends!

http://toolbar.google.com/deskbar/

The official PR:

Today, Google released a new Google Labs experiment called the Google Deskbar, a search application that enables PC users to perform Google searches at any time from any application.

The Google Deskbar is a free software download that appears as a search box in the Windows taskbar at the bottom right of most Windows-based PCs. Users enter queries into the search box and results are automatically displayed in a small pane that rises above the deskbar and overlays a corner of the
application they're Today, Google released a new Google Labs experiment called the Google Deskbar, a search application that enables PC users to perform Google searches at any time from any application.

The Google Deskbar is a free software download that appears as a search box in the Windows taskbar at the bottom right of most Windows-based PCs. Users enter queries into the search box and results are automatically displayed in a small pane that rises above the deskbar and overlays a corner of the application they're using.

The Deskbar provides instant access to information on the web, from any application. For instance, a user in the midst of typing an e-mail can check facts or find definitions by simply entering words and phrases into the Google Deskbar. Additionally, typing Ctrl + Alt + G automatically positions the cursor into the deskbar search box, enabling users to search instantly without having to move the mouse. When users highlight text on a page and press Ctrl + Alt + G, the highlighted text is automatically inserted into the search box.

Forward and back buttons to the top left of the Deskbar pane enable users to easily click through results pages, and a small arrow-shaped link launches a browser for users who wish to view results in full screen. The deskbar menu offers links to all Google services and to helpful web resources such as definitions, stock quotes and other useful information. Users can customize these links via the Options menu. This is an English-language only product and is available for Windows users running IE 5.5 or higher versions.