Google launched the Chromebook more than 15 years ago, and along with its own diverse line of Chromebooks under the Pixelbook line, many other manufacturers make Chromebooks. Now, Google will be ushering in a new category called Googlebook, built with Gemini at its heart and set to be available from a variety of partners.
The idea is to move the laptop from a cloud-based one to an intelligence-based system, combining Google Play apps with ChromeOS, and deep Gemini integration. Core to the experience is a Magic Pointer that replaces the traditional cursor. Wiggle the cursor and it triggers Gemini, offering contextual suggestions wherever you point it at your screen. This might be a date in an e-mail, for example, so you can instantly set up a meeting, or two images like your living room and a couch you’re looking at to visualize how they might look together.
With Create your Widget, you can create custom widgets by prompting, describing what you want. Gemini can search the internet or connect to your Google apps like Gmail and Calendar to create one personalized dashboard. If you’re planning a trip, Gemini can organize flight and hotel information, restaurant reservations, and even a countdown in a single, helpful spot on your desktop.
It’s also seamless to switch between Googlebook and phone. Tap a phone app on the laptop to order food or access your daily Duolingo language lesson that you receive a reminder for without leaving the screen. With Quick Access, you can easily view, search or insert your phone’s files on your laptop without the need for transfers.
Google is working with partners like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo to make the first Googlebooks. They will all be made with premium hardware and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A unique glowbar, a statement piece of the design, will indicate that it’s a Googlebook.
Google book devices are scheduled to become available this fall.