{
  "id": 13179653,
  "title": "Googlebook’s hidden ‘Glowbar Disco’ turns your laptop’s lid into a light show — how to find it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/googlebooks-hidden-glowbar-disco-turns-your-laptops-lid-into-a-light",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-09T15:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Google",
    "slug": "9to5google",
    "url": "https://9to5google.com/2026/10/09/googlebook-glowbar-disco-app/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the depths of Googlebook's settings lies a hidden gem known as the “Glowbar Disco” app. This Easter egg, a nod to the original Chromebook Pixel's iconic light bar, turns the laptop's lid into a mesmerizing light show. While the Glowbar no longer features the interactive \"knock knock\" gesture of its predecessor, it still serves a practical purpose by displaying battery status and providing a visually appealing accent.\n\nHowever, the true potential of the Glowbar Disco app lies in its hidden controls. Available only to those who dare to venture deep into the OS, this app allows users to customize the Glowbar's appearance. Choose from a constant color, a preset animation, a gradient of colors, or even sync the Glowbar's light with music. The app leaves the Glowbar active whenever the machine is turned on and the Disco app is open, creating a captivating light display.\n\nDespite its intriguing features, finding the Glowbar Disco app is no easy feat. Users must navigate to Settings, then Apps, then allow the search function to display system apps. From there, they can search for \"Glowbar Disco\" to launch the app. Unfortunately, each time they wish to access the Glowbar Disco, they must repeat this process. The effects cease as soon as the app is closed, requiring users to go through the same steps to bring the light show back to life.\n\nOne might argue that such a fun and visually striking feature should be more readily accessible, perhaps even integrated into the Settings menu. Googlebooks, with their numerous updates, could greatly benefit from this delightful addition. It seems that Google's Alexander Kuscher agrees, admitting that the Glowbar Disco might be \"too hard to find.\" Regardless, for those who stumble upon this hidden treasure, the Glowbar Disco app offers a unique and engaging way to personalize their Googlebook experience.",
  "summary": "Buried in the settings of Googlebook is a “Glowbar Disco” app that activates the LEDs on your laptop constantly, instead of leaving it blank. more…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Android Authority",
        "title": "Google is rolling out a redesigned search bar in the Google app",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/google-is-rolling-out-a-redesigned-search-bar-in-the-google-app",
        "published": "2026-10-09T06:56:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Google’s new Googlebook: Is it a worthy laptop contender or an overpriced Android gamble?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/googles-new-googlebook-is-it-a-worthy-laptop-contender-or-an",
        "published": "2026-10-09T09:29:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}