"With Watson 2.0, Windows Desktop Search users can instantly see pertinent content from all over the Internet and their desktop, so there's no need to manually look around for information," said Al Wasserberger, chief executive officer of Intellext, whose Watson 2.0 personal research assistant is now available as an Add-in for Windows Desktop Search.

"Using Watson and MSN Search Toolbar with Windows Desktop Search together creates a more personalized and automated single- source of information for millions of MSN customers," Wassenberger added. 

"MSN Search Toolbar with Windows Desktop Search is a key component of our broader strategy to help people find precisely what they need easier and faster -- on the Web and beyond," said Dane Glasgow, general manager for MSN. "Watson helps deliver on this vision by bringing contextually-relevant information to users from sources most important to them, all within an intuitive sidebar."

Powerful enhancements like Watson 2.0 for MSN Search Toolbar with Windows Desktop Search, said Glasgow, "are part of the MSN long-term commitment to deliver services that enable people to improve their searching and browsing experience."

A free 30-day trial of Watson 2.0 and the Add-in is available to download at http://addins.msn.com/.