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
Googlebook
Googlebook is the next evolution of Google's laptop strategy, combining the best of ChromeOS and the full Chrome browser on the baseline of Android to deliver powerful, desktop-class devices that are capable of everything from full-blown video editing to seamlessly running Android apps.
Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.
START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL)
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 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
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
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
Googlebook deserves a little patience: why early launch quirks don’t define its future
If you have been following our Googlebook coverage of late, you know I have been wrestling with two competing realities around the fledgling, current state of Googlebook. Earlier this week, I aired my candid frustrations about how much desktop maturity Googlebook left behind from ChromeOS, only to … [Read more...] about Googlebook deserves a little patience: why early launch quirks don’t define its future
Googlebook OLED screens are showing washed-out blacks, but a fix is coming
When you pay a premium for an OLED screen on your laptop, you do it for one primary reason: perfect, inky blacks that deliver incredible contrast and color. Over the past week, however, early adopters across the Googlebook community noticed an infuriating visual quirk during movie playback and … [Read more...] about Googlebook OLED screens are showing washed-out blacks, but a fix is coming
Google explains why Find Hub disappeared from Googlebook
When you spend $1,000 or more on a brand-new laptop, knowing you can track it down if it gets lost or stolen is pretty high on the priority list. So when early Googlebook adopters noticed that the native Find Hub app suddenly stopped working on their new devices, it caused some immediate … [Read more...] about Google explains why Find Hub disappeared from Googlebook
I went back to a Chromebook and was shocked by how much I missed Googlebook
Just yesterday, I wrote a candid critique detailing the growing pains holding Googlebook OS back. The missing virtual desk maturity, the current omissions in Chrome, and the lack of a folder hierarchy in the Files app left me genuinely aggravated that so much hard-earned ChromeOS utility was missing … [Read more...] about I went back to a Chromebook and was shocked by how much I missed Googlebook
