Googlebook: Google introduces Android-based notebooks with Gemini Intelligence

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More than 15 years after the introduction of the first Chromebook, Google is announcing what could be considered the smarter successor to its cloud-based PCs: Googlebooks are based on Android and feature Gemini Intelligence on board.

As Google explains, the company is combining “the world's most popular browser, powerful apps from Google Play, and a modern operating system designed for intelligence.” Googlebook is intended to be a new category of laptops that have Gemini at their core, work seamlessly with everyday devices, “and are equipped with first-class hardware.” In the course of the Android Show I/O Edition, Google is giving a first glimpse of what the company plans with Googlebook; further details are to be announced later in the year.

Googlebook: Android meets ChromeOS and Gemini Intelligence

Previously, it was known that Google was working on a successor to ChromeOS and that the codename is Aluminium OS. The technical foundation of the OS is said to be Android, while the user interface is based on ChromeOS. Furthermore, it has AI at its core.

While only the rough framework of the operating system was known until now, Google is now revealing more: According to the company, Googlebooks are “the first laptops designed from the ground up for Gemini Intelligence.” They are said to be capable of “providing personal and proactive assistance whenever and wherever you need it.”

In this context, Google has further developed the cursor as a central control element for PCs and equipped it with AI. The “Magic Pointer” of the Googlebook was developed with the Google DeepMind AI team and is intended to bring “Gemini literally to your fingertips.” When the cursor moves, “Gemini comes to life” and provides context-aware suggestions for every window and app you move over on the screen.

As examples, Google writes: “Point to a date in an email to schedule a meeting, or select two images – for example, your living room and a new sofa – to visualize them together instantly. This way, you can go from idea to finished result in just a few clicks.”

AI Widgets and Personalized Dashboards

In addition, the Gemini Intelligence function “Create My Widget” is being integrated into Googlebooks, allowing users to create their own widgets via voice command. Furthermore, Gemini is said to search the internet or link Google apps like Gmail and Calendar to create a personalized dashboard. As another example, Google mentions planning a family gathering: Here, Gemini could summarize flight and hotel information, restaurant reservations, and a countdown in one place on your desktop.

Seamless Connection with Android Smartphones

A bit like Apple and previously ChromeOS, Google wants to bring notebooks and smartphones closer together with the Googlebook: Googlebooks are intended to be seamlessly compatible with Android smartphones. Thus, on Googlebooks, apps can either be run independently or an app installed on the smartphone can be used directly on the notebook. For example, food ordering apps can be used on the notebook without picking up the smartphone.

Via the file browser of the Googlebook, you can also access files located on the smartphone. With the “Quick Access” function, you can view, search, or insert files from your smartphone on your notebook.

Asus, Dell, and others on board

Whether Google will introduce its own Googlebooks under the Pixel brand is still unclear, but the company has confirmed that it has renowned hardware partners on board. Similar to Chromebooks, Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo plan to bring Googlebooks to market. The first models are said to be “crafted with the highest craftsmanship and from high-quality materials and available in various shapes and sizes.”

As a trademark, Google is introducing a so-called Glowbar for the Googlebook family. This design element, attached to the outside of the devices, is intended to be both “functional and aesthetic.” Google's Pixel C tablet also featured a similar design element: when the device was put into sleep mode or placed upside down on the keyboard, the bar on the back would light up automatically and display the battery level. The first Googlebooks are expected to launch in the fall.

(afl)