Google announced the final version of its Google Desktop 2 application today.  Google Desktop 2 combines desktop search as well as a sidebar, which contains personalised news, email, weather, and other gadgets the user can choose from.  Many new third-party plug-ins are now available, such as iTunes, a dictionary, and an American Express panel to track and view credit card transactions in real time.  My personal favorite is the AdSense panel, which allows the user to track his/her AdSense earnings and stats.  Google Desktop 2 can also display maps related to the sites one visits while surfing the web.  In addition, developers will now be able to use simple JavaScript to write plug-ins for Google Desktop 2, the company said. Google Desktop 2 can be downloaded for free here. [via ZDNet]