The wait is over. Google has officially confirmed that its new laptops, dubbed Googlebook, now have a release date. These devices represent a shift in the company's strategy, moving away from the image of budget Chromebooks to fully embrace the high-end market. The strategy is based on merging Android and ChromeOS with Gemini AI as its core, and on offering an experience that aims to directly compete with MacBook Airs and ultralight Windows laptops.
The first models, manufactured by Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, will launch in the United States on October 4th, while in Europe, customers will have to wait a few more days. Spain is not currently among the first countries to receive them, although the devices are expected to arrive in the coming months. Prices start at $899 for the most affordable model, positioning this new category as a premium option with a reasonable entry price.
An operating system that unites Android and ChromeOS
The technological foundation of Googlebooks is one of their major differences compared to traditional Chromebooks. The operating system combines the best of Android and ChromeOS on a single platform. Android applications run natively without intermediate layers, improving performance and compatibility. Furthermore, features typical of a desktop computer are retained, such as the Chrome browser with extensions, window management, and a complete Linux environment for developers.
One of the most notable features is continuity with your Android phone. When you log in, the laptop retrieves settings, passwords, Wi-Fi networks, and messages associated with your account. Features like Cast My Apps allow you to open mobile apps on your desktop without installing them, while Continue On lets you resume a task started on your phone on your laptop. All of this aims to reduce friction between the two devices, allowing users to turn their Android device into their reading and productivity hub—an advantage Apple has been leveraging for years with the iPhone and Mac.
Gemini Intelligence, AI at the center
Artificial intelligence isn't an extra feature on Google Books; it's integrated into the system itself. Magic Pointer is one of the most striking features : simply waving the cursor activates Gemini to scan the content on the screen, whether to translate text, add a calendar appointment, or detect a potentially fraudulent email. Another feature called Create My Widget allows you to generate custom widgets using natural language descriptions, while Rambler converts spoken explanations into structured text.
All these capabilities are supported by next-generation processors with NPUs. Intel Core Ultra 3 series (Panther Lake) and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite are the chosen chips for this first batch, with performance exceeding 40 TOPS in the most advanced models. This allows many AI tasks to be processed locally, improving privacy and reducing latency.
First generation hardware and prices
The first generation includes five models, each with its own unique features. The Acer Googlebook 14 is the most affordable, priced at $899 , and features a 14-inch convertible design with an OLED touchscreen. The Dell XPS Googlebook and HP Googlebook 14, meanwhile, are equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite processor and offer more premium aluminum finishes, priced at $1.199 and $1.299 respectively. ASUS and Lenovo also contribute their own designs with high-resolution displays and haptic trackpads.
All models include at least 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD storage, though some configurations go up to 32 GB and 512 GB. The advertised battery life is around 14-16 hours , depending on usage and testing conditions. In addition, each purchase includes 12 months of Google AI Pro with 5 TB of cloud storage, one year of GeForce Now, three months of YouTube Premium, and versions of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
Availability and support
Pre-orders are now open in the United States and other select markets, starting September 21. The first shipments will arrive on October 4 in the United States, and a day later in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia. Spain is not included in this initial phase, but the devices are expected to arrive in the coming months, likely in November, according to Acer's announcement for its model. Google has also confirmed that update support will last up to 10 years, with quarterly feature and security updates, a policy inherited from Chromebooks.
In short, Googlebooks are here to revolutionize the premium laptop market with a proposition that fully integrates the Android ecosystem. The combination of powerful hardware, built-in AI, and seamless mobile connectivity makes them a serious alternative for those seeking a versatile and smartphone-connected device. It remains to be seen how the market will respond, but Google's intention is clear: it wants to compete head-to-head with the industry giants.