GoKawiilThe Googlebook is coming, and we now have a first look at what one of the upcoming devices may look like. Lenovo provided tech news site Digital Citizen with a sneak peek at the new laptop, and it’s quite an evolution from its predecessor, the Chromebook. Android Headlines also previewed a two-in-one tablet that Lenovo is developing, using the same new operating system as the Googlebook.
The Lenovo Googlebook 15, so named for its 15.6-inch screen, includes Google branding, a thin bezel and a stylish back cover, along with a revamped operating system and AI capabilities, according to images shared by Digital Citizen.
Representatives for Google and Lenovo didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, Dell and HP will be the first companies to produce Googlebooks. Google announced the new device at The Android Show in May and said it would go on sale this fall.
What is a Googlebook?
The rumored Googlebook appears to be a Google-branded laptop that combines Android, Gemini AI and ChromeOS technologies. Android powers many of the world’s smartphones, while Gemini AI is Google’s flagship family of artificial intelligence models. ChromeOS has served as the operating system for Chromebooks since their introduction in 2011.
As explained by CNET managing editor Joshua Goldman, the rumored Googlebook, unlike the existing Chromebook lineup, is expected to provide access to the full range of Android apps users rely on on their phones, along with built-in Gemini AI features. Digital Citizen also reported that Googlebooks may be able to access files stored on users’ Android devices
Chromebooks, considered a cheaper alternative to iPads, MacBooks and Windows laptops, run on ChromeOS. Customers who want to run Android apps have to download them from the Google Play Store. With Googlebooks, those apps will be available natively.
Big on branding
Lenovo’s Googlebook images shared with Digital Citizen confirm what CNET learned in May — Google is placing a strong emphasis on branding. “Googlebook” appears at the bottom left of the keyboard, and there is a G key between the function and alt keys just above the name. Tapping the G key will power up the Gemini AI assistant.
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