Quıcĸsıɩⅴεʀ (normally written Quicksilver) is the big find. The simplest way of using it is as an application launcher, but it can do a lot more than that. Install all the plug-ins and it essentially becomes a way of performing actions in any programme. For example, type a piece of text and link it into an email. Search for a contact. Tweet. You can even send command line pronts with it. The main limit seems to be your imagination. Admittedly, it takes a little effort to get set up, but that effort is rewarded in spades.

There’s a great video of Quicksilver’s creator (mysteriously named A1c0r) here , talking to Google about the philosophy and workings of the programme (via Merlin Mann).

Here’s a good guide to some of the things you can do with it.

Lastly here’s a new project from the same guy, now working at Google (I suspect he got the job just after the talk linked above. They clearly see the strategic benefits of ubiquitous, easy seamless desktop/ web search). (Via Rory Cellan-Jones).

Lastly, in order to meet my pledge to keep my inbox empty through 2009, I needed a tool to help me file emails in volume. Mail act on may be just that tool. Install and set up a couple of rules, and you’re away. (I will pay for it at the end of the trial if I don’t work out how to do the same in QS!). Essential for my emerging GTD regime.