Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Google officially announced its new laptop category, the Googlebook, in May 2026.
The announcement was made at a pre-Google I/O event titled "The Android Show: I/O Edition," where the Googlebook was introduced as the successor to the Chromebook.
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This laptop was designed with a focus on deep integration with Gemini Intelligence, a suite of generative artificial intelligence (AI) features powered by Gemini.
This move represents a significant evolution from the Chromebook, which was introduced more than 15 years ago as a laptop for a cloud-first world.
With the Googlebook, Google saw an opportunity to "rethink the laptop" as computing shifted from operating systems to intelligent systems.
The Googlebook aimed to provide a Mac-like experience for Chrome users, integrating AI into every aspect, even down to the mouse pointer.
This was Google's response to other AI laptop trends on the market, such as Microsoft's Copilot+ PC and Apple's MacBook Neo.
Googlebook Concept and Evolution
The Googlebook was designed as a new laptop category built from the ground up for Gemini Intelligence.
The core concept is to create a device that not only runs applications but also proactively assists users through artificial intelligence.
This device is an evolution of the Chromebook, which has historically been known as an affordable, cloud-based laptop.
With the Googlebook, Google aims to elevate the user experience to a higher level, offering deep AI integration throughout the system.
The Googlebook's primary goal is to deliver a smarter and more intuitive computing experience, where AI is at the heart of user interaction.
Advanced Operating System "Aluminium OS"
The Googlebook will run an operating system that has not yet been officially named, but was codenamed "Aluminium OS" during its development phase.
This operating system combines elements of ChromeOS and Android, designed as a "modern OS built for Intelligence."
One of the key advantages of Aluminum OS is its ability to run Android apps natively through the Google Play Store.
This allows users to access the vast Android app ecosystem directly from their laptop, without the need for emulation.
The development of this OS stems from Google's confirmation in July 2025 that it was merging ChromeOS and Android into a single, unified platform.
Featured Features Based on Gemini Intelligence
GoogleBooks will heavily leverage features powered by Gemini, Google's AI assistant.
This Gemini integration enables a variety of intelligent functions that enhance user productivity and engagement.
- Magic Pointer: This Gemini-powered cursor feature allows users to wiggle the cursor to trigger contextual suggestions. For example, pointing to a date in an email to schedule a meeting, or selecting two images to instantly visualize them.
- Create Your Widget: Users can create custom widgets with Gemini commands, allowing them to build dashboards of files and related information from Gmail, Calendar, and other Google apps.
- Quick Access: This feature allows users to view and search for files on their Android phone directly from Google Books, without the need for downloading or transferring.
- App Casting: Users can cast apps from their smartphone to the Google Books desktop, where they will appear as phone-sized apps, providing greater flexibility in app usage.
Premium Design and Availability
The Google Book will feature a "Featherweight Design" combined with "Heavyweight Power," indicating that this device will be a mid- to high-end ultraportable.
A distinctive hardware feature is the "glowbar," a rectangular LED light strip on the lid.
This glowbar serves as a visual identity and may react during AI processing or incoming notifications, adding a unique touch to the design.
The Google Book will likely have a higher price point than most Chromebooks.
The first models will be manufactured by leading manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
The first Google Book is scheduled to launch in fall 2026. Further specification details and a more concrete launch date will be announced closer to that time.