Google fully details Googlebooks: $899+, October launch, & more

Google unveiled Googlebooks, the laptop alternative for Android users, after a May preview. The official launch is slated for October. The company partnered with top laptop manufacturers to offer high-quality hardware that seamlessly integrates with Google's software. Material 3 Expressive, previously seen on phones and watches, will now extend to desktops.

The interface features Quick Settings, notifications, and a time/date display in the top-right corner, with a centered 6-speaker Dolby Atmos audio setup and Glowbar indicator on the lid. Sign-in to a Googlebook syncs Android phone settings, passwords, Wi-Fi, and messages. Google emphasizes on-device AI, such as generating file descriptions and Magic Pointer with wiggle gesture for access to Gemini and prompt entry.

A "desktop-class" Chrome browser, vertical tabs, and Gemini side panel are included. Googlebooks can run 20,000 mobile and PC games, optimized for keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen. Developers can deploy directly to Googlebook via Antigravity app, which also supports Linux environment. Security features include Titan security chip, on-device malware detection, and a Level 5 security-certified hypervisor.

Devices come in five flagships, featuring Intel Core Ultra Series 3 or Snapdragon X Elite processors with NPUs, 16 GB of RAM, 2.8K LCD/OLED screens, and premium materials like aluminum, magnesium, or carbon fiber. Googlebooks are pre-orderable from the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers, including 12 months of Google AI Pro, 3 months of YouTube Premium, Adobe Photoshop, and CapCut.

Sales begin on October 4 in the US, with subsequent releases in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia.