Or, maybe, document/file search is a pretty useful and commonly expected feature for a desktop operating system? And extending it to online search is an entirely natural next step?

Even if this were a plot against Google, it would simply be bog-standard competition. It has absolutely none of the characteristics of "Embrace, Extend, Extinguish".

I can't believe you'd suggest something as rediculous as users wanting a unified search bar that just gives them what they want regardless of context. History has shown time and time again that users like diversity and would prefer a solution that they can tailor together in a piecemeal fashion after trying all their options.

This is some high grade sarcasm!

i don't believe you describe the average computer user.