Having the initial batch of Googlebooks on my desk this month has been an exercise in balancing massive hardware potential against early software growing pains. As we have talked about extensively around here lately, Googlebook OS is built on an Android 17 foundation that impresses when it comes to … [Read more...] about Chrome 156 for Googlebook delivers 14 desktop upgrades and a look at what’s coming next
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Googlebook OS is finally getting one of my favorite ChromeOS features
When the first wave of Googlebooks arrived a few weeks ago, the pitch was simple: combine the best parts of Android and ChromeOS into one modern, cohesive desktop platform. Having spent the last few weeks testing these new laptops, though, it is clear that Googlebook OS launched with a few glaring … [Read more...] about Googlebook OS is finally getting one of my favorite ChromeOS features
Google just solved Gemini’s biggest research bottleneck with direct Notebook actions
If you use Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) for deep-dive research, lecture notes, or project planning, you know the single biggest irritation has always been the wall separating it from your daily chat flow. Notebooks were fantastic for grounding answers strictly in your uploaded PDFs and … [Read more...] about Google just solved Gemini’s biggest research bottleneck with direct Notebook actions
Google is bringing Chromebook’s best unlock feature to Googlebooks
When moving from ChromeOS to Googlebook OS, there were certain quality-of-life features I really hoped would simply make the jump. As we've seen, that hasn't exactly been the case with Googlebook at launch, but it does feel like Google is working hard to bridge the many gaps that currently exist … [Read more...] about Google is bringing Chromebook’s best unlock feature to Googlebooks
Googlebook is getting AAC Bluetooth audio and key fixes for Cast My Apps
As we talked about earlier this week, every brand-new platform goes through growing pains right out of the gate, and Googlebook OS is no exception. While we've already seen Google step up to acknowledge issues the washed-out OLED black levels on Intel-powered units, early adopters have surfaced a … [Read more...] about Googlebook is getting AAC Bluetooth audio and key fixes for Cast My Apps
Google Vids just got two essential timeline upgrades for real video editing
When Google Vids first arrived, it felt much closer to an animated Google Slides presentation than a traditional non-linear video editor. That simplified approach made it easy for anyone to throw together a quick team update, but if you actually spend time editing video on a Chromebook or … [Read more...] about Google Vids just got two essential timeline upgrades for real video editing
We just got our Lenovo AI Mouse for Googlebook, and it’s impressive
We first spotted the Lenovo AI Mouse in an early leak alongside the Lenovo Googlebook 15, and I’ve been eager to see how certified Googlebook peripherals would actually feel in day-to-day use. Now, we finally have the mouse in hand and after putting it to work for the last hour or so, it’s clear … [Read more...] about We just got our Lenovo AI Mouse for Googlebook, and it’s impressive
How to silence Googlebook mirrored phone notifications without turning off sync
Over the last couple of weeks in our studio, pairing my phone with our test Googlebooks has been one of the biggest workflow highlights on Googlebook OS. Once Google resolved the initial pairing bugs and we got Better Together running smoothly on Galaxy hardware, having text messages, phone calls, … [Read more...] about How to silence Googlebook mirrored phone notifications without turning off sync
Googlebook screen recording may soon get a webcam selfie bubble and live markup tools
As I have spent the last couple weeks thinking through all the tutorials I'd like to start making for Googlebook OS, one major omission has stood out that will affect both content creators and remote workers alike. On ChromeOS, we were spoiled by a native screen capture tool that included built-in … [Read more...] about Googlebook screen recording may soon get a webcam selfie bubble and live markup tools
ChromeOS 156 is rolling out with Rambler-like voice typing and video summaries
While I’ve been refreshing the Play Store waiting for the Chrome 156 update to land on the Googlebooks here on my desk, our Chromebooks quietly beat them to the punch. According to the Chrome Releases blog, ChromeOS 156 has officially been promoted to the Stable channel, bringing most supported … [Read more...] about ChromeOS 156 is rolling out with Rambler-like voice typing and video summaries
ASUS Googlebook 14 unboxing: a rigid 2-pound laptop that impresses all around
While we spent a bit of hands-on time with the ASUS Googlebook 14 back in New York City, actually getting it out of its massive retail box and onto the desk is a different experience entirely. Weighing in right around two pounds, it is easily the lightest device in the entire launch fleet: and one … [Read more...] about ASUS Googlebook 14 unboxing: a rigid 2-pound laptop that impresses all around
Chrome now asks for permission before making insecure HTTP connections by default
For years, Chrome’s primary defense against unencrypted websites has been the passive "Not Secure" label in the address bar. While that badge was a necessary compromise back when a massive portion of the web still ran on plain HTTP, it has always had major shortcomings. It goes unnoticed by many … [Read more...] about Chrome now asks for permission before making insecure HTTP connections by default
