Google warns some Android apps may struggle on Intel Googlebooks
Google has acknowledged that some Android apps may not run smoothly on Intel-based Googlebooks, despite promoting access to the entire Play Store library. The caveat matters because three of the five Googlebook models now on sale use Intel chips, and buyers were told every app would be available.
Google says most apps work smoothly on both Intel and Qualcomm models, but a small number of complex apps or games designed for Arm chips may need developer tuning for Intel. It has not named affected apps or said how many could have issues, and says it is working with developers, Intel and Qualcomm to improve performance and compatibility. The Dell and HP models use Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
- Google warns some Android apps may struggle on Intel Googlebooks.
- Most apps are said to run smoothly across both chip types.
- Three of the five launch models use Intel processors.
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Googlebooks are Android tablets sold by Google in multiple models with different processor chips. Google promised that the entire Play Store app library would be available on every Googlebook sold. Three of the five models currently available use Intel processors; the others use Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.
Most Android apps were designed for Arm-based processors, which Qualcomm manufactures. Intel processors use a different architecture, which means some apps built for Arm systems may not work smoothly on Intel Googlebooks. This difference in processor types creates potential compatibility issues between Googlebook models.
Developers may need to optimise their apps to work properly on Intel-based Googlebooks. The presence of different processor types within the Googlebook range means that app performance may vary between models.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Google's marketing of the Intel Googlebooks emphasised full Play Store access, but subsequent acknowledgement that many apps may struggle on these devices suggests consumers were misled about what they were purchasing. Even if the affected number is relatively small, buyers were not adequately warned before spending money that their new device might have significant compatibility limitations, and Google's continued vagueness about which apps are affected and how widespread the problem truly is does a disservice to informed consumer choice.
The case against
Optimising thousands of Arm-native applications for Intel architecture is an enormously complex technical challenge that necessarily requires developer participation, and it is unrealistic to expect flawless compatibility immediately upon launch. Google is being transparently honest about the limitations rather than hiding them, and the company's active engagement with developers, Intel and Qualcomm to improve performance demonstrates genuine commitment. If only a small proportion of apps genuinely suffer issues, then most consumers will have satisfactory experiences whilst the ecosystem matures.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Google admits not every Android app runs great on Intel Googlebooks”.