Got an Android Phone? Google Thinks You’ll Probably Want a Googlebook Laptop
wired ·
Google has launched Googlebook, a new class of laptops and operating system designed to give Android-phone owners tighter continuity between their phone and computer. Five compliant models from HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus are available for preorder, start at $899, go on sale October 4, and include one year of Google AI Pro with 5 terabytes of storage. Google’s requirements include premium materials, at least 16 GB of RAM, a touchscreen, a backlit keyboard, a haptic trackpad, 14 hours of battery life, 10 years of software updates, and the signature Glowbar light strip. Googlebook combines Android’s mobile-first design with ChromeOS while remaining a distinct system for x86 and ARM chips, and it can transfer phone data such as passwords, messages, contacts, and photos during setup. Android apps are divided into three categories based on their desktop suitability, while features such as Magic Pointer, Rambler voice dictation, context-aware file search, task handoff, and app casting add AI and phone continuity capabilities. Google offers iPhone users a limited Link to iOS app, but the article says Android users now have a closer equivalent to the iPhone-and-Mac experience.
wired