Google Chrome users are now able to initiate web searches simply by saying the words "Okay, Google" into a microphone. The most up-to-date Android (version 4.4 or KitKat) comes with the spoken search option firmly bundled, but this change extends the function to Google's browser for regular Windows and Mac computers.
Formerly a plug-in known as an "extension" was needed. Now it has been integrated into the beta version of Chrome 34, which is available online.
For now, voice search is only available in English, says Google. But options in other languages are planned. The function will also only work if the computer's microphone has been enabled by clicking the microphone icon in the Google search box.