The Googlebook is coming, and we now have a first look at what one of the upcoming devices may look like. Lenovo provided tech news site Digital Citizen with a sneak peek at the new laptop, and it’s quite an evolution from its predecessor, the Chromebook. Android Headlines also previewed a two-in-one tablet that Lenovo is developing, using the same new operating system as the Googlebook.
The Lenovo Googlebook 15, so named for its 15.6-inch screen, includes Google branding, a thin bezel and a stylish back cover, along with a revamped operating system and AI capabilities, according to images shared by Digital Citizen.
Representatives for Google and Lenovo didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, Dell and HP will be the first companies to produce Googlebooks. Google announced the new device at The Android Show in May and said it would go on sale this fall.
What is a Googlebook?
The rumored Googlebook appears to be a Google-branded laptop that combines Android, Gemini AI and ChromeOS technologies. Android powers many of the world’s smartphones, while Gemini AI is Google’s flagship family of artificial intelligence models. ChromeOS has served as the operating system for Chromebooks since their introduction in 2011.
As explained by CNET managing editor Joshua Goldman, the rumored Googlebook, unlike the existing Chromebook lineup, is expected to provide access to the full range of Android apps users rely on on their phones, along with built-in Gemini AI features. Digital Citizen also reported that Googlebooks may be able to access files stored on users’ Android devices
Chromebooks, considered a cheaper alternative to iPads, MacBooks and Windows laptops, run on ChromeOS. Customers who want to run Android apps have to download them from the Google Play Store. With Googlebooks, those apps will be available natively.
Big on branding
Lenovo’s Googlebook images shared with Digital Citizen confirm what CNET learned in May — Google is placing a strong emphasis on branding. “Googlebook” appears at the bottom left of the keyboard, and there is a G key between the function and alt keys just above the name. Tapping the G key will power up the Gemini AI assistant.
The images also reveal a top row of function keys, F1 through F14, a departure from the ChromeOS-style shortcut keys typically found on Chromebooks. These function keys retain some of the same controls found on the top row of Chromebook keyboards, including brightness and volume adjustments. The new layout also introduces additional keys, such as dedicated shortcuts for accessibility features and profile or account switching.
The accessibility key can be utilized to help customers with vision, hearing and mobility needs, such as screen readers, live captions and mobility controls. The profile/account switch key enables customers to navigate between their different accounts and profiles.
More differences
Lenovo’s Googlebook has other features not previously seen on Chromebooks, according to Digital Citizen.
The display features a status bar similar to those found on Android smartphones, with icons for Gemini AI, notifications, Wi-Fi connectivity, and battery status. A taskbar at the bottom of the screen provides quick access to frequently used apps and features, including a G button for searching files and applications, along with shortcuts for Gemini AI, Chrome, YouTube, Canva, and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Google and Adobe maintain a partnership that integrates Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro into Gemini AI.
On the hardware side, the Lenovo Googlebook features an ultra-thin bezel surrounding the display, along with a top-mounted notch that houses the webcam and its integrated privacy shutter.
The laptop’s bottom cover features a horizontal fluted texture, giving it a distinctive design compared with the flat surfaces typically found on other devices.
2-in-1 Googlebook tablet
Also on Monday, Android Headlines shared an exclusive look at Lenovo’s two-in-one tablet. The tablet has the Googlebook branding and also includes the G key on the keyboard.
The device will have Dolby Atmos speakers, a quad-speaker setup and stylus input support, according to the report.
What’s still unknown
Google said in May that the Googlebooks would launch this fall, but Lenovo did not specify the month or exact date. We also don’t know the price, although PCMag reported in May that customers should expect to pay at least $800 and possibly more than $1,000.
Several key details about the device remain unknown, including the processor, display resolution and refresh rate, memory and storage configurations, battery capacity, and overall weight.
Digital Citizen said Lenovo will likely announce Google Books at IFA Berlin, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics trade shows, scheduled for Sept. 4-8.
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