Google Essentials app launched to help Windows users install Google services easily

Google turns to Windows: Google is expanding support for Windows PCs with the launch of its new Essentials app, which will allow users to find all eligible Google services, such as Google Photos and Google Play Games, under a single roof. The new app will be available on a range of PCs from HP initially out of the box, while existing users can download the app. Google said it will add more PC brands in the coming months.

How will the Essentials app work

In a blog post, Google said that the Essentials app will make “it easier for you to discover and install many of our best Google services – including Google Play Games – when setting up a new PC.” Both consumer and gaming brands of HP, including Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, Victus, and HP Brand, will support the Essentials app. The OmniBook-branded laptops, however, will receive support “soon.”

The Essentials app will be available right from the Start menu and will allow you to easily switch between your laptop and phone. That means everything you do on your phone when using the supported apps will be automatically synced to their Windows counterparts. One of the best use cases will be when using Google Play Games, which will allow you to sync your in-game progress and reward benefits for certain titles, “so you can pick things back up whether you’re on an Android device or PC.”

Other apps that will be available through Google Essentials include Google Photos and Google Messages, which will make it “easier to enjoy your photo albums and respond to texts from friends and family.” The app also has shortcuts to services such as Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Calendar. If you opt for Google One subscription, you will get a 2-month free trial of the 100GB plan if you are eligible.

While all of the services from Google are available on the Web, having an app dedicated to making Google services accessible should be convenient. Google said if you do not want its services – either one or the entire Essentials app, you will have the option to uninstall.