Google Unveils New Hybrid Device, the Googlebook

Since their introduction in Spring 2011, Google Chromebooks have become a familiar presence in public education. Their low cost, user-friendly interface, and robust security features made them popular. Now, Google has introduced a successor that aims to overshadow the Chromebook.

The newly unveiled device, somewhat awkwardly named the Googlebook, is a hybrid laptop designed to combine the advantages of Chromebooks with the capabilities of more advanced systems like Windows PCs and Macs. It runs on a custom operating system called Googlebook OS, which is a version of Android tailored for desktop use, incorporating familiar features from existing Chromebooks.

While Googlebooks may not yet be as refined as their Chromebook counterparts, Google is moving ahead with plans to phase out the latter.

Like traditional Windows or Mac machines, the Googlebook allows users to connect peripherals like a mouse and keyboard. Additionally, it offers a drag-and-drop interface for file management and supports a full desktop browsing experience, complete with extensions and productivity applications.

Users will have access to the Google Play Store, where several applications—such as the photo editing tool Luminar and the scheduling app Fantastical—have already been optimized for the platform.

Another interesting feature is the Debian Linux command line environment accessible through the Terminal. Google indicates that users can install developer tools, set up coding environments, and use other Linux applications.

Moreover, the Googlebook enhances connectivity with existing Android devices. With the Continue On feature, tasks can be started on a phone and resumed seamlessly on the Googlebook. Files from the phone sync directly to the Googlebook’s file manager, and users can even cast applications from their phones to the laptop for easier access.

Overall, the Googlebook is a significant upgrade over current Chromebooks, boasting improved materials, faster processors, and a more capable operating system.

However, there are notable drawbacks that have come to light since the launch. Reviewers discovered some serious issues. For example, certain Progressive Web Apps don’t function on Googlebooks like they do on Chromebooks. While there may be broader support in the future, it’s limited at this launch.

Additionally, the Android interoperability features necessitate Android 17, leaving many users without access to them. Notably, these features don’t work with Samsung devices, which dominate the Android market in the U.S.

At launch, five different OEMs will offer Googlebooks, with two featuring ARM-based chips, similar to those used in many smartphones, and three equipped with x86 chips found in most traditional laptops. Android is compatible with both architectures, but some apps may not work on x86, leading to potential fragmentation.

Googlebooks, while a step up, are not yet fully fledged products compared to the more established Chromebook line.

When introduced in May, Google suggested that this new device would focus on premium hardware, in contrast to Chromebooks, which cater to the budget-friendly segment of the market. While there were whispers about both platforms coexisting, Google recently confirmed plans to phase out support for ChromeOS—the operating system for Chromebooks—by 2034, despite existing models receiving updates until then.

On a positive note, Google mentioned, “Many newer commercial Chromebook models will be capable of upgrading to Googlebook OS,” with further details and eligibility criteria to follow.

This means that newer Chromebooks might be updated with the Googlebook OS, while older models will lose security support, leaving them vulnerable to potential risks if used beyond 2034.

While the extended timeline gives users a chance to transition, a significant concern remains: Googlebooks are generally pricier than existing Chromebooks. Though Google is expected to address the initial hiccups, the laptops released this month feel more like prototypes than polished products.

If you currently own a Chromebook, you might want to keep it for the time being. And for anyone considering switching from Windows or Mac, be aware that there are still some initial issues that need to be resolved.