As expected, Google's co-founder Larry Page announced
Google Pack during his Friday afternoon keynote address at CES. What is Google Pack? It's a free suite of handy software programs that have been hand-picked by Google for quality. In Google's own words, Google Pack is:
- Essential: Enjoy safe, useful software for your computer
- Simple: Download and install everything in just a few clicks
- Customizable: Choose only the software you want
- Up-to-date: Get software and new updates via Google Updater
Google Pack requires Windows XP with administrator privileges (sorry Mac users).
There's nothing new in the Google Pack -- all of the programs are already available. So why bother? Well, Google Pack uses a single installer to make it easier to install any or all of the components at once. The installer also helps keep things up-to-date automatically.
What's included? Google Pack consists of both Google software and respected third-party alternatives.
Google Software:
- Google Earth
- Google Desktop
- Picasa
- Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
- Google Pack Screensaver
- Google Talk
Additional Software:
- Mozilla Firefox with Google Toolbar
- Norton Antivirus 2005
- Ad-Aware SE Personal
- Adobe Reader 7
- RealPlayer
- GalleryPlayer HD Images
- Trillian
These are all good tools, and the updater provides Google with a nice foot in the door to your PC. If you're comfortable using their tools and updater, you'll be more likely to try new programs and services as they come available.
The "I hate Microsoft" crowd will like the fact that it includes some great alternatives to Microsoft's offerings. Many people are already using these tools, but the Google Pack will make it easier for them to keep their versions up-to-date.
What I was most impressed by was the inclusion of Trillian instant messenger. Trillian's inclusion in the Google Pack is a huge endorsement for Trillian, and will likely win them a lot of new fans.
For more information or to download, visit the official
Google Pack web site.