Early buyers of Google's new Googlebook laptops discovered that Find Hub, Google's device-locating service, does not work on the machines. Google confirmed the omission, explaining that because Googlebooks spend most of their time lidless and in sleep mode, Find Hub's tracking system cannot locate them, and the web interface only shows other devices tied to the same account. Google gave no timeline for restoring the feature or any temporary workaround.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-11-06
Google announced that its education products will default to having AI features turned off, requiring administrators to manually enable them if they want access. The catch is that the AI toggle bundles together Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search, so schools that want to block AI tools must also give up search functionality.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-11-03
Google told the New York Times it will disable Google Search for school accounts that choose to ban AI features entirely, because the company has tied Search and its Gemini AI/AI Overviews products together. Google education VP Chris Phillips said students at such schools would instead see a message saying search is unavailable.
futurism.com
· 2026-11-03
Google has introduced Googlebook, a new AI-focused laptop platform built on its Chromebook lineage, with a 16GB RAM requirement and starting prices of $999 (except for a limited-time $899 Acer offer). Models from Lenovo and Asus reach pricing comparable to the MacBook Air, and the platform's phone-pairing feature requires a device running Android 17, an OS released only four months ago on a small number of high-end phones.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-10-16
Google has launched Googlebooks, a new line of laptops that run Android natively rather than ChromeOS, positioning them as premium alternatives to Windows and macOS machines. The initial lineup features touchscreens, aluminum and magnesium bodies, biometric unlock, large trackpads, and a light-up accessory called the Glowbar that signals Gemini activation and battery status, but most models cost well over a thousand dollars.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-10-16
Tom's Hardware tested Googlebooks from Dell, Lenovo and HP, built on a new operating system called Googlebook OS that resembles Android more than Chrome OS. The platform aims to merge Android phones and laptops and includes AI features such as Rambler, with Acer and Asus also signed on as hardware partners. The reviewer found the hardware solid but said the OS still feels underdeveloped and centered mainly on the web browser.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-10-15
Google has introduced Googlebooks, a new line of certified laptops built on an Android-based operating system rather than ChromeOS. Partners including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo are producing Googlebook-certified devices with carbon-fiber chassis, high-end Intel or Snapdragon processors, high-resolution screens and Gemini built in, starting at 16GB RAM and 256GB storage with about 14 hours of battery life. The devices run Android apps natively via the full Google Play Store and integrate with Android phones running Android 17 or later, syncing passwords, notifications and files.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-13
Googlebooks now features physical F1, F2, and F3 keys displaying Android’s classic back, home, and app switcher icons, reminiscent of Android 5.0 Lollipop devices. These keys perform familiar navigation functions, providing a tactile alternative to gesture controls. The update aims to improve usability, especially for Android apps that are less optimized for desktop interfaces.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-07
Android Authority reports that Google's new Googlebook laptops do not offer the same streamlined Linux app installation process as ChromeOS devices. Instead of installing apps via Settings and launching them from the app drawer, users must rely on Android's Terminal app and command-line instructions, with installed apps not appearing in the app drawer. Google has confirmed this limitation, stating that GUI Linux apps are not currently a priority.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-07
Google told Android Authority that while most Android apps run fine on both Intel and Qualcomm Googlebooks, a small number of complex apps or games need extra developer tuning to perform well on Intel x86 devices. Google did not specify which apps are affected or describe the exact compatibility problems. The company said it is working with app developers, Intel and Qualcomm to improve optimization across the platform.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-05
The Beaumont Independent School District's board approved an $11.19 million four-year lease to supply 14,585 Apple devices to students and teachers from pre-K through 12th grade. The deal includes over 4,000 iPads for younger students, 9,500 MacBook Neo units for grades 3-12, and 1,000 MacBook Neo units for teachers, replacing a Chromebook fleet that was costing the district nearly half a million dollars annually in repairs.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-02
Google published a support document stating that all ChromeOS devices will stop receiving updates and security patches by mid-2034, regardless of purchase date. This means Chromebooks bought now, which Google previously promised 10 years of updates, will fall short of that commitment if sold close to 2034. Google says some newer commercial Chromebooks may be eligible to migrate to its new Googlebook OS platform.
osnews.com
· 2026-10-01
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