Googlebook Laptops Are Here, but Intel Models Have a Catch

Google's new Googlebook laptops are starting to arrive in stores across the globe, offering a unique device that blends Android technologies with some desktop features from ChromeOS. The laptops operate on Googlebook OS, which is capable of running Android applications directly, unlike traditional containers. However, Intel-based models may encounter compatibility issues with certain Android apps.

Google has confirmed that while 96.6% of the most popular 10,000 Android apps run smoothly on Intel-based Googlebooks, some more complex applications and games still require updates from developers before they can function correctly on x86 hardware. The specific apps causing problems have not been disclosed by Google. Out of the five Googlebook models launched, three use Intel processors, while the remaining two employ Qualcomm Snapdragon ARM chips.

Several Googlebook features that integrate devices with smartphones, such as browsing phone files, continuing tasks, synchronizing notifications, and streaming a phone's screen to the laptop, require a smartphone running Android 17. These features are not available on older Android versions. Googlebook OS merges Android and ChromeOS technologies, allowing the devices to run native Android applications while providing a more conventional laptop experience.

Google also highlights AI features, premium hardware, and a long-term software support of up to 10 years. It is important to note that Chromebooks will continue to be supported separately, and some newer Chromebook models might eventually receive an upgrade path to Googlebook OS, though Google has not specified which devices could qualify.

For users seeking the complete Googlebook experience, the choice of processor becomes crucial for demanding Android applications and games, while Android 17 is necessary to access all phone integration features.