The Chromebook era is over, and it has made way for the Googlebook era. Google has announced its next generation of laptops, only this time rather than being built around Chrome, they are built around Gemini Intelligence.
Announced during the Android Show, details on the Googlebook range are limited for now, but here’s what we know about it so far.
It all starts with the cursor
Google isn’t leaving it down to chance that you’ll use Gemini on your Googlebook, so it has thrown the good old cursor out, and replaced it with the Magic Pointer.
It acts as a direct portal to Gemini, where just a wriggle immediately brings Gemini to life to assist with whatever you’re doing. For example, point it at a date to quickly set up an event, or show it two photos and combine them using Gemini’s photo editing skills.
The concept is to provide fast, direct access to helpful tools. Google’s idea behind Gemini Intelligence is to shift the AI away from questions and answers, and more towards a seamless way of working together.
Google will also bring the Gemini Intelligence features coming to Android to the Googlebook. This includes the ability to create custom widgets, have Gemini plan trips and reservations, and work across apps like Gmail and Calendar.
In addition to Googlebook apps, you’ll be able to utilize the apps on your phone on the desktop, and interact with them without the need to pick up your phone. Google says there’s no need to download apps, or deal with emulated controls.
This also applies to sharing files. Using Quick Access, files on your phone can be viewed, searched, and transferred over to your laptop without any additional tools or steps. It’s everything on your phone, just on your laptop.
The Glowbar is coming
Rumored to also be part of the Pixel 11 series of smartphones, Google has announced the Glowbar, and it’ll be a signature design element of the Googlebook.
It’s not exactly clear what the Glowbar will do, but Google says it will be, “both functional and beautiful.”
The only image it has shown is of a thin bar with a glowing, multicolored light. Rumors point to the Pixel 11 using a similar feature called Pixel Glow, indicating Google’s very excited by glowing lights in 2026.
When will a Googlebook be released?
Google has only teased the Googlebook for now, and it has not given any release details at all. It’s possible we may learn more about the laptops during the Google I/O developer conference slated for the end of May.
What we do know is, Google is working with Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, and Dell on the first range of Googlebook laptops. We also know they’ll come in different shapes and sizes, and Google is promising “premium craftsmanship and materials.”
It’s also unclear what’s going to happen to Chromebooks, and whether they’ll continue on as low-cost options, leaving Googlebooks to occupy the higher end of the market. While Google will want to capture the attention of prospective Windows laptop buyers, it will also be looking over its shoulder at the Apple MacBook Neo.
