@uncharted
Yes. It's similar in the way you can keep things on the task bar. Also, items that are aware of the new task bar have some special features (i.e. showing recent items, history, etc.). Otherwise, it's an evolution of the previous application grouping found in XP.
@bloodline
You don't need to let the search finish (if you know what you're looking for). I just type in what I want and hit enter.