Google's Googlebook isn't a better Chromebook, it's an attempt to rebuild the PC around Android

Google has unveiled its first attempt to create a PC platform that rivals Windows and macOS by integrating Android software into a full-fledged operating system for Arm and x86 devices. This new line of laptops, dubbed Googlebooks, is set to launch through five manufacturers, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Pre-orders are now open for these devices, starting at prices ranging from $899 to $1,299.

What sets Googlebooks apart is their seamless integration with Android phones. Upon signing into a Googlebook for the first time, users' phone settings, saved passwords, and Wi-Fi connections are instantly transferred, similar to how an iPhone can access files and apps from an Android device. Googlebook users can also continue tasks started on mobile apps directly on the laptop and transfer data between the two platforms effortlessly.

Googlebooks combine the Android and Chromebook environments, supporting both Android apps and a desktop-grade Chrome experience with extensions. The AI-powered Google assistant, Gemini, is the operating system's core, with users able to summon it by wiggling the mouse or using the dedicated Rambler button, which transcribes spoken words into documents. Antigravity AI agent platform allows users to create custom widgets or build apps through voice commands.

Each Googlebook comes with a year of Google AI Pro and three months of YouTube Premium, Adobe Photoshop, and more. The devices are promised to receive up to a decade of content and feature updates. The Dell and HP Googlebooks are powered by Snapdragon X Elite processors, while the remaining models use Intel Core Ultra 5 chips. All SoCs feature NPUs (neural processing units) capable of up to 45 TOPs.

Design-wise, the Dell XPS Googlebook is the smallest at 13.4 inches with a 2.5K LCD touchscreen, while the others feature 14-inch 2.8K OLED displays. Lenovo's model is the largest at 15.3 inches. All starting models include 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with some models upgradeable to 32GB of memory. Backlit keyboards, haptic trackpads, Google's Glowbar for visual feedback, and Titan C2 security chips with fingerprint readers are standard across all models. HP and Lenovo laptops also offer facial unlock features.

Googlebooks will be available in the US starting October 4 and in Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia on October 5.