Google begins testing Gemini Mac app with Desktop Intelligence to rival ChatGPT and Claude

Google Begins Testing Gemini Mac App to Match ChatGPT and Claude

The app will offer features such as generating images and video, searching web-based information, and personalization, and will also include a feature called Desktop Intelligence to tap into other Mac programs. Google is ramping up development of a dedicated Gemini AI app for Apple Inc.'s Mac computer lineup, looking to step up competition with OpenAI and Anthropic PBC. The Alphabet Inc.-owned business began privately sharing an early version of the app with participants in a consumer beta testing program this week. The effort allows Google to get feedback on upcoming software from nonemployees, who can also help the company find bugs before a public release. "This is an early version of the Gemini for Mac app for your feedback and will have only critical features from the other clients but not all," the company told testers, who asked not to be identified because the program is private. This indicates that the current version doesn't include all the features that will ultimately come to market. The move is part of a race by AI companies to get their chatbots in front of as many people as possible. OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude are already available as Mac apps. A Google spokesperson declined to comment or share when the app would ultimately be released to end users. But the beginning of outside testing suggests the company is on track for a release in the near future. Information about the upcoming app -- code-named Janus -- was shared with Bloomberg News by app researcher M1Astra. Google is asking testers to try out features for generating images, video, music, tables and charts, as well as mathematics and information analysis. The app also can search web-based information and go through past conversations. It offers personalization and can analyze uploaded media documents. Currently, users of Apple computers who want to access Gemini need to do so through the web. A dedicated Mac app would allow quicker access during workflows and makes it simpler for users to upload documents, a key task for artificial intelligence chatbots. For the upcoming Mac app, Google is testing a feature dubbed Desktop Intelligence. Similar to Mac AI software like Claude Cowork, this will allow Gemini to tap into other Mac programs, such as the calendar, to feed data into Gemini. That ultimately lets the software fulfill queries with more personalized details. "When you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use," a message in the app's code reads. Google has sought to streamline its product development by putting both Android software and hardware under Rick Osterloh -- part of a bid to meet the artificial intelligence moment. The current test version of the Mac app looks similar to the existing versions for the iPhone and iPad. Apple, meanwhile, is working on its own chatbot -- code-named Campo -- as part of a revamped version of the Siri digital assistant, Bloomberg News has reported. That software, due later this year in the iOS 27 and macOS 27 operating systems, will rely on Google models to help power the AI features.

Google is reportedly testing a Gemini app for Mac

Google is testing a version of its Gemini app for macOS, Bloomberg reports. The app would bring the AI assistant to uncharted territory, and in more direct competition with OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude, both of which offer standalone Mac apps. Gemini remains accessible through the web, and it sounds like the macOS app offers the same set of features, with the ability to respond to prompts, search the web and generate text, images and code. The major differentiator of the Mac app could be a feature called "Desktop Intelligence," which gives Gemini a new source of information and context for its responses. According to a message in the app's code viewed by Bloomberg, "when you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use." The ability to refer to information in apps and what's currently on your screen is offered by both the Claude and ChatGPT macOS apps, and something Gemini is capable of on mobile devices. It's not clear if Gemini for macOS will be able to actually take action in the apps it can view -- like, for example, Anthropic's popular Claude Cowork feature -- but Google has already started offering that experience in a limited form on smartphones, so who's to say that couldn't come to desktop operating systems, too. Bloomberg reports that the Gemini app is being tested with non-Google employees, which could be a sign it's making its way to a public release. Thanks to Apple and Google's AI partnership, whether the app sees the light of day or not, some of the technology that makes Gemini possible will run on macOS in the future. Google and Apple announced in January that Google's Gemini models would power future versions of Apple Intelligence. Apple is also reportedly overhauling Siri into more of a chatbot, an experience likely made possible by Gemini.

The Gemini app for macOS is secretly in beta testing with hints at screen sharing support

Currently, Gemini doesn't have an official desktop app for Mac or Windows PCs, but that could be changing soon. Gemini is available as a web client that can be accessed on all kinds of devices, including computers. Competitors like ChatGPT and Claude already offer dedicated desktop apps for macOS, though. Gemini fans have clamored for a dedicated Mac app of their own, bringing Google AI to macOS natively. That seems to be finally happening, as Bloomberg reports a Gemini app for macOS is quietly entering beta testing with exclusive desktop-oriented features.

Bloomberg: Google begins testing dedicated Gemini app for Mac - 9to5Mac

Mac users who prefer Gemini for their AI interactions might not have to wait much longer for a dedicated app. Bloomberg reports today that Google has quietly started beta testing an early version of a dedicated Gemini app for macOS with select users. In a message to testers this week, Google reportedly explained that the current version of Gemini for macOS doesn't have every feature. "This is an early version of the Gemini for Mac app for your feedback and will have only critical features from the other clients but not all." Code for the Gemini app on macOS also hints at a feature called Desktop Intelligence: "When you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use." Bloomberg says the current interface for the Gemini app on Mac "looks similar to the existing versions for the iPhone and iPad." There's no timeline on when Google plans to formally ship Gemini for macOS. It's a glaring hole in accessibility for Gemini, with macOS users currently being required to access the platform via the web. Meanwhile, companies like Anthropic and OpenAI offer dedicated Mac apps for Claude and ChatGPT, respectively.

Google Working on Native Gemini AI App for Mac to Rival ChatGPT and Claude

Google is developing a native Gemini app for the Mac, reports Bloomberg. Right now, Mac users who want to use Google's Gemini AI have to use a web browser, but that will change with a dedicated Mac app. Google competitors like Anthropic and OpenAI have dedicated Mac apps for their chatbots, potentially making Claude and ChatGPT more convenient to use than Gemini. Google shared an early version of the Gemini app with beta testers this week to get feedback, but it's not clear when it might launch. Google has not provided release date information for the Gemini Mac app, and testers were told that the app only has "critical features," suggesting there's more to come before release. The app apparently looks similar to the Gemini apps designed for iPhone and iPad. The app is able to search the web, analyze uploaded documents, and maintain a conversation history. Google is asking users to test content generation tools for images, tables and charts, video, music, and more, plus provide feedback on mathematical questions and information analysis. Gemini for Mac will be able to integrate with other Mac apps through a Desktop Intelligence feature, mirroring functionality available with tools like Claude Cowork. Gemini will be able to read the Mac's display, using the content to personalize Gemini and allow the AI to complete tasks. Bloomberg says the Mac Gemini app includes wording about how Desktop Intelligence works. "When you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use," reads app code.

Google is readying Gemini AI app for Mac with Desktop Intelligence

The upcoming app could let Gemini tap directly into Mac apps for more personalized responses. Google is stepping up its AI game on desktop, with a dedicated Gemini app for Mac now in testing, and it could bring a major new capability called Desktop Intelligence. According to a report by Bloomberg, Google has started privately testing an early version of the Gemini Mac app with select users. The move is part of a broader push to compete more directly with desktop AI apps like ChatGPT and Claude, both of which already offer native Mac experiences. The current version is still early and doesn't include all planned features, but testing suggests Google is aiming for a near-term release. For now, Mac users primarily access Gemini through the web, so a dedicated app could significantly streamline the experience. What would set it apart? Over the past few months, on-device and cross-app AI workflows have really exploded in popularity. Tools like Manus and Openclaw are geared at power users, but for an average user, AI that dips into their local data (such as email, calendar, photos, etc.) is what they seek, without any overt technical hassles. Recommended Videos That's where Gemini comes into the picture. Google recently introduced Personal Intelligence for Gemini, which lets it pull information from sources such as Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search. Google is also integrating it across Workspace tools, such as Drive, too. Anthropic's Claude Cowork is doing something similar within Microsoft's Office 365 apps. Broadly, the vision is to let AI access the on-device (and on-cloud) personal data and seamlessly get work done without opening all these apps separately. Google apparently has a similar vision for its Gemini app on Mac. Think of it as an AI that can see all the information and has the right context to answer your queries. If you ask it about vacation ideas, it can look up your Gmail for upcoming tickets, bookings, and itineraries to answer accordingly. "When you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence, you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use," the in-development app's code notes, as per Bloomberg. What is Desktop Intelligence? The standout feature here is something Google calls Desktop Intelligence, and it's arguably the biggest differentiator for the Mac app. Instead of relying only on prompts, Gemini can see what's on your screen and pull data directly from Mac apps, like your calendar, documents, or browser, to deliver more context-aware responses. In practice, this means Gemini doesn't just answer questions; it understands what you're doing. Whether it's summarizing a document you're working on or helping plan something based on your existing data, the AI can respond with far more relevant, real-time context. Even in its early form, the app already looks fairly capable. Google is testing features like image and video generation, coding support, document analysis, and web search, along with the ability to process uploaded files and recall past conversations, thus putting it on par with other advanced AI assistants. Google hasn't officially confirmed a release date yet, but with external testing already underway, a public rollout may not be too far off.

Google Brings Gemini To Mac In Early Test To Rival ChatGPT - Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Gemini App Signals Push Beyond Web AI Google is accelerating development of a dedicated Gemini AI app for the Mac lineup to compete more directly with OpenAI and Anthropic. The company has begun privately testing an early version with select users, gathering feedback and identifying bugs ahead of a wider release. The current version includes core features but does not yet offer the full functionality planned for launch, Bloomberg reported on Friday. Google is pushing this effort as part of a broader race to expand access to AI chatbots, with rivals already offering Mac apps. The new app will let users generate images, videos, and music, analyze data, search the web, review past conversations, and work with uploaded documents. New Features To Deepen User Integration The company is also testing a feature called Desktop Intelligence, which allows Gemini to interact with other Mac apps and use on-screen context to deliver more personalized responses. By moving beyond web access to a dedicated app, Google aims to make Gemini easier to use in everyday workflows and strengthen its position in the growing AI software market. Technical Analysis Alphabet is trading 0.6% below its 20-day SMA and 1.3% below its 100-day SMA, suggesting short-term hesitation, even as the longer-term trend remains constructive, with shares 17.8% above the 200-day SMA. Shares are up 88.65% over the past 12 months and are positioned closer to their 52-week highs than lows. RSI is at 47.74, in neutral territory, suggesting neither buyers nor sellers have clear control right now. The MACD is at -2.5417, versus a signal line of -3.5478, a bullish configuration that hints that downside pressure is easing, even though the stock is still consolidating. RSI in the 30-50 range, with a bullish MACD, indicates momentum leaning bullish. Key Resistance: $319.50 Key Support: $296.00 Earnings & Analyst Outlook Looking further out, the next major catalyst for the stock arrives with the April 23, 2026 (estimated) earnings report. EPS Estimate: $2.67 (Down from $2.81 YoY) Revenue Estimate: $100.74 Billion (Up from $90.23 Billion YoY) Valuation: P/E of 28.4x (Indicates premium valuation relative to peers) Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy Rating with an average price target of $376.94. Recent analyst moves include: Needham: Buy (Maintains Target to $400.00) (March 13) Wells Fargo: Upgraded to Overweight (Raises Target to $387.00) (February 23) Tigress Financial: Strong Buy (Raises Target to $415.00) (February 19) Price Action GOOG Price Action: Alphabet shares were down 0.59% at $303.92 during premarket trading on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data. Image via Shutterstock Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

Google tests Gemini Mac app to compete with ChatGPT and Claude - Bloomberg By Investing.com

Investing.com - Google has begun privately testing a dedicated Gemini AI app for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Mac computers, according to Bloomberg, citing information shared this week with participants in its consumer beta testing program. The move puts the Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) unit in direct competition with OpenAI and Anthropic PBC, which already offer Mac apps for their ChatGPT and Claude chatbots. The company told testers the early version includes only critical features and not all functionality planned for the final release. The beta program allows Google to collect feedback from nonemployees and identify bugs before a public launch. App researcher M1Astra shared information about the upcoming app, code-named Janus, with Bloomberg News. The current test version does not include all features that will ultimately come to market. A Google spokesperson declined to comment or provide a timeline for the app's public release. The start of outside testing suggests the company is preparing for a launch in the near future. OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude are already available as Mac apps. AI companies are racing to distribute their chatbots to as many users as possible. This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Google testing Gemini AI app for Mac with Desktop Intelligence: Here's what it may offer

One of the most notable features being tested is called Desktop Intelligence. Google appears to be preparing a dedicated Gemini AI app for Apple's Mac computers as the company looks to compete more aggressively with other AI chatbot platforms. According to Bloomberg, the company has started privately testing an early version of the Gemini app for macOS with users enrolled in its consumer beta testing program. Testers who received access to the early version were informed that the app is still under development and does not yet include all the features planned for the final release. 'This is an early version of the Gemini for Mac app for your feedback and will have only critical features from the other clients but not all,' the company told testers. Also read: Microsoft unveils MAI Image 2 with better photorealism and text generation: How to use it Dedicated Mac apps are already available for rival services such as ChatGPT and Claude, which means Google is now working to ensure Gemini is also accessible for Mac users. Currently, people using Mac computers can access Gemini only through a web browser. A dedicated application could make the experience faster and more convenient, especially during everyday workflows. As part of the testing, Google is reportedly asking participants to try a variety of features. These include generating images, videos, and music, creating tables and charts, solving mathematical problems, and analysing information. The app can also search the web for information and review past conversations. Additionally, it offers personalisation features and can analyse uploaded documents and other media files, as per the report. Also read: OpenAI plans AI superapp to merge ChatGPT, Codex and Atlas browser: Here's why One of the most notable features being tested is called Desktop Intelligence. This feature could allow Gemini to interact with other apps on a Mac, such as the calendar, to gather relevant information and provide more personalised responses. 'When you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalise your experience only when Gemini is in use,' a message in the app's code reads. According to the report, the upcoming app is internally code-named Janus. Also read: Perplexity launches Comet AI browser for iPhone users: Check features