Google comes out with Googlebook
Google has announced a new direction for its laptops. Under the name Googlebook, the company is working on a new category of devices entirely revolving around Gemini Intelligence. With this, Google seems to be building not only a successor to Chromebooks, but also a laptop experience in which AI is much more central.
According to Google, Googlebook combines parts of Android with ChromeOS. So you get access to Android apps via the Play Store, while ChromeOS remains as the base. The big change is mainly in the integration of Gemini. That AI should perform tasks smarter and faster in the background, without you having to constantly do it yourself.
One of the most striking features is the new "Magic Pointer". In it, Gemini responds instantly to what you point to with your cursor. For example, point to a date in an e-mail to immediately create an appointment, or select two images to automatically merge them into a visualisation. Google thus wants to turn the traditional cursor into a much smarter tool.
Widgets also get a bigger role. With "Create My Widget", you can create a personalised dashboard via simple commands. Think of a widget that automatically combines your flight information, hotel bookings and calendar for an upcoming trip. According to Google, Gemini can pull information from apps such as Gmail and Google Calendar in the process.
Google is also focusing heavily on collaboration across devices. Googlebook should work seamlessly with Android smartphones. For example, you will soon be able to open files from your phone directly from your laptop's file browser, without having to transfer anything manually first. Switching between apps on your phone and laptop should also be smoother.
For the hardware, Google is working with manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo. The laptops will have premium materials and a striking design element that Google calls the "glowbar".
When exactly the first Googlebooks will appear is not yet known. Google does say that the first models will be unveiled later this year. With that, 2026 looks set to be an important year for the future of Android, ChromeOS and Gemini together.
