Google says Android-powered laptops called Googlebooks ship in 2026

In short: Google says it will start shipping a new line of Android-powered laptops called Googlebooks later this year.

What happened

Google is introducing Googlebooks, a new category of laptops that run Android, the same basic software used on many phones. Google says Chromebooks are not going away, but the company is putting more attention on these new Android laptops.

A big part of Googlebooks is built around Gemini, Google’s AI assistant. Google says you can trigger a full-screen Gemini view by wiggling your cursor, which it calls the Magic Pointer. The idea is that the AI can look at what is on your screen and suggest actions, a bit like having a helper who can see your open tabs and documents.

In examples shown by Google, the Magic Pointer can help combine several images using a Gemini image tool, and it can suggest creating a calendar event by pointing at a date in an email. Google also plans to bring Magic Cue to Googlebooks. This is a feature on Pixel phones that surfaces suggestions based on what you are reading in messages and email.

Googlebooks will include the Google Play Store. Google also says the laptops will connect closely with your Android phone, including letting you open phone apps on the laptop in a floating window and quickly pull over files.

Google is not expected to make its own Googlebook at first. Partners like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo will sell them, and the devices will be marked by a “Glowbar” light on the lid.

Why it matters

For everyday users, this could make it easier to use phone apps on a laptop and get AI help without switching between tools. It also raises practical questions, like how useful these on-screen suggestions will be and what information the AI is allowed to see while it is helping.

Source: Arstechnica