Google launches Googlebook laptops built to pair closely with Android

In short: Google has launched Googlebook, a new kind of laptop designed to work more smoothly with Android phones, and five models are available for preorder now.

What happened

Google announced Googlebook at a media event in New York City, sharing more details about a new operating system made for these laptops. The goal is to give Android users a more connected laptop experience, similar to how iPhones and Macs work well together.

Five Googlebook laptops are launching first, one each from HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus. Preorders open today, and the laptops go on sale October 4, starting at $899. Each purchase includes one year of Google AI Pro and 5 terabytes of storage.

Googlebook is a new operating system that blends parts of Android and ChromeOS, which is the software used on Chromebooks. Google says Chromebooks will still be sold, mainly for schools and lower-cost buyers.

All Googlebooks must meet certain hardware rules set by Google, like at least 16 GB of memory, a touchscreen, long battery life, and 10 years of updates. They also must include a “Glowbar,” a light strip on the outside of the laptop that can light up for certain actions, including when you talk to Gemini.

Google also highlighted new Gemini features. One is Magic Pointer, where you wiggle your cursor over something and Gemini suggests actions, like adding an event to your calendar or checking if an email looks like a scam.

Why it matters

For many people, the annoying part of using a phone and a laptop is moving stuff between them. Googlebook is meant to make an Android phone and a laptop feel more like one setup, like having the same keys for two doors.

Source: Wired