In their latest attempt to bring their web search to the Mac desktop (no one uses Google Desktop Search), Google has released what can only be called a QuickSilver clone. Google Quick Search Box is a small search utility that provides the lightning fast search that we’re used to with QuickSilver. Rumour has it, that the creator of Quicksilver, J. Nicholas Jitkoff, is actually behind this project as well. I can’t confirm it though. Of course, Google has made sure it uses a slightly different abbreviation “QSB” for this!
Note that the Quick Search box is an early preview, and cannot be considered for a full on shootout against QuickSilver.
So how exactly does it work? You double tap your Command key upon which the search field fades into view. Typing anything will bring up the most probable item along with a list down below. So far we’re fairly on the same page as QuickSilver. QSB also integrates spotlight search so it will display any spotlight results along with the regular results (Thanks Jono!).
Of course, when it doesn’t find something, it drives you to do a google search online. Actually, coming to think of it, QS is a little too inclined that you create an online search. I searched for “Macworld”, and instead of giving me access to my keynotes or podcast, it tries to push me to do a Google search. Overall though the UI of the app is very intuitive and user friendly, and those finer things will be tuned in future releases.
I’m really excited about the Google’s Quick Search. Blacktree has abandoned QuickSilver, and I don’t see any future for that. Google’s Quick Search is open source, has an active set of developers backing it, and will definitely improve beyond what QuickSilver ever offered. Add in a bunch of useful plugins and QSB can be the next big thing on the Mac. For more info and a link to download Quick Search Box visit the project page.
