What you need to know
- Google reportedly confirmed that certain Googlebooks won't feature full Android app support.
- In a statement, the company states Googlebooks with Intel processors (Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo) may struggle to support certain apps from the Play Store, but Qualcomm processors (HP and XPS) are fine.
- Googlebook pre-orders opened on September 21, and the laptops have since fully launched since October 4 (U.S.) and October 5 (U.K., etc.)
The Googlebook is available for consumers to start the week, but the company behind it revealed something important.
Earlier this morning (Oct. 5), the folks at Android Authority reached out to Google concerning the Googlebooks' app support capabilities. The company revealed something crucial: not every Googlebook is made equal. According to its statement, Googlebooks with Intel processors might struggle to support all Android apps that are available via the Play Store. The company states this is because the majority of Android apps were made to suit ARM chips in phones.
Google told the publication, "...a small handful of complex apps or games need some developer tuning to run their best on Intel-based platforms." While the company says it is working with devs, Intel, and Qualcomm to rectify this issue, consumers might not have to worry. Google says, "The vast majority of Android apps run smoothly," no matter if you're using an Intel Googlebook or one from Qualcomm.
Poor support could mean a myriad of things in today's age. Would these apps not work completely, or would users encounter glitches and frequent error codes? Moreover, are we certain that Intel's chips are capable of running major apps (we'd assume so)?
For the record, the Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo Googlebooks all utilize the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor. Everything else (HP and XPS) relies on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite.
Googlebooks are here
I've seen a couple of publications' takes on this, and I have to agree: this should've been stated from the jump. Imagine buying a Googlebook, being excited, and to come home only to find that, oh, this app's not working. Weird. Google said the full Play Store would be available, and yet... The good thing is the company knows and is working with the right people to fix it. The bad thing is... we didn't know until now.
Googlebook pre-orders officially opened on September 21. It was a momentous occasion following Google's earlier laptop reveal at The Android Show. This first wave includes laptops from companies previously mentioned, with prices starting at $899. A few major features include touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and strong Android phone pairing.
However, Magic Pointer is a standout feature for the Googlebook. It brings Gemini directly to your mouse pointer, so you can call on the AI for help whenever you need it. If you don't feel like putting money down for a Googlebook, don't worry. Google started rolling Magic Pointer out in Chrome for Windows and Mac computers.
Consumers can find the Googlebook at the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers. There is a motley of included goodies—free trials and the like.
