Google’s new Googlebook OS is basically Android for laptops

While surprisingly uncreative in its name, it’s also admittedly a lot more straightforward than Aluminium OS. Developed specifically for its new laptops and largely based on Android 16 and Android 17, Googlebooks are clearly targeting Android users.

Google’s first new OS in 15 years

Unlike ChromeOS, Googlebook OS is designed to feel intuitive to anyone who has ever held an Android smartphone or tablet. It uses the new Material 3 Expressive Design, which has been in use since Android 16, and is therefore largely familiar. Under the hood, however, it also utilizes a Linux kernel, which is why Linux is supported natively.

Google is promoting its new devices as a powerful alternative to Windows PCs and Macs. Googlebooks have access to numerous apps from the Google Play Store that are optimized for desktop use. These are by no means all the apps available on the Play Store, though, so the selection is still limited and there are some restrictions.

Googlebooks are somewhat suitable for gaming too, partly thanks to controller support, but with a massive caveat: for demanding titles, users will need to stream via GeForce Now as the built-in hardware isn’t enough to run most triple-A games natively.

Naturally, Googlebook OS relies heavily on AI. Google offers support for AI agents such as Claude CLI, and with Antigravity it also provides a built-in tool for developers who wish to program further AI support themselves.

Google sees Googlebooks as more than just “AI PCs,” something for which Microsoft initially faced a lot of criticism with its Copilot+ PCs. Rather, a Googlebook can be used in close conjunction with an Android device by pairing the two. This allows not only files to be transferred seamlessly, but also apps—and that’s pretty handy if you find that you’re reaching the limits of your smaller device and/or need more power.