Since May, all that we’ve seen of the Googlebook have been glimpses. Now we finally have a date for when we’ll see all that it has to offer.
Chrome Unboxed says it received an invitation to a Googlebook media preview event in New York on Sept. 15. The event is scheduled to have a keynote from Google leadership, OEM partner demo stations, and hands-on access for media.
What we’re looking for
This news comes right on the heels of Made by Google, which gave us the Pixel 11 family, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag. We half expected that the Googlebook would be a last-minute addition to the event, but there was just a mention that we’d hear more about the Chromebook replacements this fall, with news from partners Asus, HP, Lenovo, and more.
Now that we have the date, we’re looking forward to getting some answers to questions that we have, namely:
1. Just what does the glowbar do?
At the Android Show back in May, Google showed off the glowbar, the multi-colored LED light strip on the lid of the Googlebook. Google has called it “functional and beautiful” but details are few. It’s possible that it will serve as a notification bar, much like the Pixel 11 series’ HiLight.
2. Will Aluminum OS successfully merge Android and ChromeOS?
Built on Android 17, Aluminum OS is meant to make for smoother integration and multitasking between laptops and phones.
3. How much Gemini is too much Gemini?
AI is meant to be the centerpiece of the Googlebook, but Gemini integration has met with some resistance in Google Home and Android Auto. Whether Gemini becomes a Clippy of this era remains to be seen.
4. How will the Googlebook affect Google’s education empire?
Google dominates K-12 classrooms with Chromebooks, but Googlebooks will reportedly be built of more premium materials. With the MacBook Neo as a budget-friendly option for schools, it remains to be seen if Google will cede its significant market share to Apple.
Stand by for news
With less than a month to go, we’re gearing up to bring you the latest on the Googlebook as we learn about it.
