India, Sept. 11 -- Google is taking Gemini out of the browser and putting it closer to everyday PC work. The new Gemini app for Windows 10 and Windows 11 gives users a system-wide shortcut to the AI assistant, along with access to longer workflows, Google services, and generative media tools.

The important change is not a new AI model. It is how quickly Gemini can now enter an existing Windows workflow.

Users can press Alt + Space to open Gemini while another application remains active. Google says this can be used for tasks such as checking information in a document or generating ideas without first opening a browser tab.

That sounds minor, but desktop assistants live or die by friction. Cutting a few steps from repeated interactions ...