Google adds Docs search to Gmail

Google has added a feature to its Gmail client designed to make it easier for users to find the information they are looking for.

Apps Search is available in beta through the firm's Labs pages, and will let users search for web sites or documents direct from their Gmail inbox.

Bram Moolenaar, a software engineer at Google, said in a blog post that the application could help workers who struggle to find the content or information they need.

"Where is that presentation? Was it attached to an email? Or in Google Docs? If you're not sure, you may end up searching several places with the same query. With the new Apps Search, we just made that all a bit simpler," he said.

The new feature has to be enabled, and replaces the Search Mail button with a Search Mail and Docs button. This splits the screen view between email and document results, making it much easier to differentiate.

Moolenaar warned that Apps Search is still a Google Labs feature, and users may experience some differences in the way results are returned.

"You may notice that mail results show up just as fast as before, while non-mail results may take a tiny bit longer," he said, suggesting that users tailor the feature to their own needs.

"If you're just looking for an email, having Apps Search enabled will not slow you down," he added.

Gmail users should visit the Labs section on the toolbar under settings, and select App Search to use the feature.