Google is determined to take over another part of your life.

The search engine just announced the Google Media Server gadget. Instead of an add-on piece of hardware, this plug-in can stream photos, music and TV shows to plug-and-play devices on your network, such as a PlayStation 3.

“In the old days, we used to watch a simple device called a television,” posts software engineer David Garcia, on the Inside Google Desktop blog. “Nowadays, all the stuff worth watching and listening to tends to be stored on or accessed through a computer. To help remedy this, we are pleased to release the Google Media Server.”

Right now, Google Media Server only works with Windows. When combined with Google Desktop, it can scour your computer for media files. It looks as though they’ve also partnered with Picasa for photo access and YouTube to check out videos.

The download is available now, and the company is looking for feedback. Let us know what you think as well—in the Comments area below.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.