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The Verge's staff has spent a week testing all five newly launched Googlebook laptops from Google's OEM partners and reports that the hardware is strong but the new operating system is riddled with problems. Testers cite missing features like swiping between desktops, inconsistent handling of Android apps, and basic text interactions that don't work properly in apps like Signal.
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.
New Chromebooks replace the traditional Caps Lock key with a Quick Insert button that gives access to clipboard items, emojis, GIFs, translation, and voice typing. Google engineer Mishaal Rahman confirmed on Reddit that Chrome OS does not currently support remapping this key to restore Caps Lock functionality. Users can still trigger Caps Lock by holding the function key and pressing Quick Insert, or rely on Shift keys for capital letters.
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.
Google says that of its list of over 10,000 most-used Android apps, 96.6% run without issue on Intel-powered Googlebooks, meaning roughly 300 apps have problems. Google attributes most failures to apps lacking full large-screen support rather than chip incompatibility. The company also detailed that Intel Googlebooks use a binary translation layer converting 64-bit Arm code to native 64-bit x86_64 instructions, rather than legacy 32-bit emulation.
Google Play Store listings now display one of five badges indicating how well an Android app functions on Googlebook laptops. The tiers range from 'Made for desktop' and 'Optimized for desktop' for strong laptop experiences, down to 'Compatible with desktop' and warnings like 'Better on the website' or 'Built for mobile' for apps less suited to larger screens. The labeling system was spotted by a Reddit user and detailed by Android expert Mishaal Rahman.
Google has confirmed that its newly released Googlebook laptops do not yet support cross-device 'Better Together' features with Samsung phones, even those running Android 17. Google's Mishaal Rahman said on Reddit that support for Samsung devices will roll out over the coming weeks, after users reported the feature failing to work and at least one buyer returning their device.
Google has confirmed that the 'Better Together' integration features on its new Googlebook laptops, which allow app streaming, file access, and notification mirroring with Android phones, currently only function properly with Pixel devices. Samsung phones running Android 17, including the Z Fold 8, can detect the laptops but fail to maintain a stable connection, despite Google's marketing claiming the laptops work with Android phones 'right out of the box'. Google says a software update enabling Samsung compatibility will arrive in the coming weeks.
Google began selling its first Googlebook laptops on October 4th, and The Verge received review units of all five models about a day later. The devices resemble Chromebooks but add new ways to link an Android phone to the laptop, including casting apps, moving tasks between devices, and accessing phone files and notifications directly from the laptop.
Googlebook OS's Chrome browser does not support multiple user profiles, a feature available on Chrome OS and iOS. Users can only access account settings through the profile icon, with no option to switch profiles directly within the browser. Google has acknowledged the absence and indicated that a feature request has been submitted.
Google announced on launch day that some Android apps may not run optimally on its three new Intel-powered Googlebooks, due to compatibility challenges. The affected models, made by Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, use Intel’s Panther Lake architecture, while the Qualcomm-based models by Dell and HP are expected to perform normally. These issues stem from Android apps originally designed for Arm chips, which may require developer adjustments for better performance on Intel hardware.
Google’s new Googlebooks lineup features a Quick Access tool that enables users to browse, open, and transfer files between their Android phones and the device itself. The feature supports drag-and-drop for files under 200MB and requires both devices to run Android 17. Additionally, Files AI will provide instant summaries of folder names within Googlebooks.