Artificial Intelligence
Google tests Gemini desktop control on Mac
Google was testing a hidden Gemini desktop feature for Mac that could expand file and app access, while the article said the capability was unconfirmed, not yet live and still subject to safeguards.
- TestingCatalog on X spotted Google testing desktop control for Gemini.
- The Gemini Desktop app contained references to a hidden Additional sandbox options setting.
- The feature was not live and Google had not confirmed it.
- The article said enabling it could let Gemini reach files beyond connected folders, and a pop-up said it might interact with apps and would still ask before sensitive actions.
- The article said Apple was considering making personal files and data harder for AI agents to access on Mac.
TestingCatalog on X spotted signs that Google was testing desktop control for Gemini. The Gemini Desktop app also showed a hidden setting called Additional sandbox options.
The feature was not live and Google had not said when, or whether, it would launch. The article said the change could let Gemini reach, change or delete files beyond folders a user had connected.
A pop-up in the app said Gemini could also work with apps and carry out tasks through them. Google’s hidden interface said the extra options would expand what Gemini could do on a Mac and that some settings might allow it to act without asking first.
The article said Gemini would still prompt for confirmation before purchases, transfers, account creation, acceptance of legal terms or edits to sensitive information. It also said Apple was considering ways to make access to personal files and data on Mac more difficult for AI agents.
Named in this story
Companies
- was testing desktop control for Gemini
- Apple
- was considering making access to personal files and data harder on Mac
Organisations
- TestingCatalog
- spotted the feature on X
Products and systems
- Gemini
- was the AI product that could gain desktop access
- Gemini Desktop app
- contained the hidden sandbox setting
How the source tells it
The register was tentative and product-led, with repeated caveats about an unconfirmed feature and the limits that would apply.
- speculation presented as fact tentative verbs and repeated caveats about a feature that was not yet live
- reassurance the repeated emphasis on confirmation prompts and other safeguards before sensitive actions