Google’s $899 Googlebook is a bet that you’ll buy a new laptop for Gemini

In a strategic move to capitalize on the growing popularity of AI, Google has unveiled its latest creation: the Googlebook. The company announced on Monday that the new device is now available for pre-order at a price point of $899. The Googlebook is designed to surpass traditional Chromebooks by offering a blend of Android OS, a desktop version of Chrome browser, and familiar ChromeOS elements. However, the standout feature of this laptop is its prominent showcasing of Google's Gemini AI capabilities.

Google's Googlebook introduces several groundbreaking features. One such feature is the AI-powered cursor, which acts as a conduit to Gemini. This cursor can be used to highlight content on a webpage for Gemini to work with, question the email suspiciousness when hovering over it, or select images for Gemini to visualize them together. While this might seem similar to Android's "Circle to Search," the Googlebook's AI cursor takes this concept to a new level.

Another noteworthy addition is Google's Rambler, an AI-enhanced dictation feature that refines messy, rambling brain dumps into readable text. While this feature is beneficial, it doesn't appear to be a primary selling point for the Googlebook.

Moreover, Googlebook also offers vibe-coded widgets and support for AI-enhanced dictation through Rambler. These features aim to enhance the user experience by making the technology more intuitive and user-friendly. Pre-orders for the Googlebook are now open on the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers. The device will be available in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia starting from October 4.

The Googlebook will feature high-end specifications such as up to 2.8K OLED displays, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and processors from Intel and Qualcomm, paired with dedicated NPUs. Google promises up to 14 hours of battery life for the device.