Googlebook laptops impress on hardware but frustrate testers with software issues
Google has launched five new Googlebook laptops powered by a new Android-based operating system, which aims to replace ChromeOS as a fresh alternative for Android phone users. The Verge's testing team finds the hardware excellent across all models, but the software is proving to be the weak point, with bugs and compatibility issues frustrating the four internal testers. The new OS was promised to enable faster development, yet it currently feels like a step backwards from ChromeOS.
Testing of the HP, Lenovo, and Acer Googlebook models has revealed numerous issues: virtual desktops cannot be used normally (windows cannot be dragged between them and there's a misplaced "Clear All" button), and Android apps designed for phones struggle on laptop screens. Basic software like Slack's progressive web app doesn't install properly, whilst mainstream apps including Signal have input issues and Netflix-like streaming apps lack keyboard controls. The experience has left some testers feeling like unpaid beta testers for Google.
- Google's new Googlebook laptops have excellent hardware but frustratingly buggy software
- The Android-based OS feels worse than the ChromeOS it's meant to replace
- Apps designed for phones don't work well on laptop screens
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Google has launched Googlebook, a new range of laptops that use an Android-based operating system rather than the company's existing ChromeOS. This new system is designed to offer better integration with Android phones for users who already rely on Google's mobile devices.
Several major laptop manufacturers are producing Googlebook models, including HP, Lenovo, and Acer. This multi-manufacturer approach means the system will be available at various price points and with different specifications.
ChromeOS has been Google's main laptop operating system for more than a decade, so this Android-based system represents a significant change in the company's strategy. Its success will influence what options consumers have when choosing a Google-based laptop and could shape how other technology companies integrate phones with computers.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Googlebook hardware foundation is reportedly excellent, which represents the most costly and technically demanding component to perfect. Software issues, whilst frustrating, are common with new platforms and will likely be addressed through updates and refinement. The shift to Android represents an ambitious unification of the Google ecosystem that could offer substantial long-term benefits to users familiar with Android phones, and the product's potential should not be judged solely by early teething troubles.
The case against
A major technology company should not release a consumer laptop with fundamental usability failures such as broken virtual desktops, incompatible applications, and missing keyboard controls on streaming services. These are basic features expected of any modern laptop, not experimental technologies that justify incomplete delivery. Users purchasing these models are effectively serving as unpaid beta testers rather than receiving a finished product, which represents a breach of the reasonable expectation that a commercial release functions properly.
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Originally published by The Verge as “A week with Googlebooks: four notes from our testing so far”.