Googlebooks Erode Excitement

I received an Asus Googlebook 14 running Googlebook OS. Setting it up was simple but the experience quickly eroded my excitement.

App Casting Fails

Typing 'mail' returned web results instead of app suggestions. The Googlebook version of Gmail didn't show work email or an 'all inboxes' option.

Samsung Notes Problem

The Googlebook didn't support Samsung phones at launch. I created a Samsung Notes APK for sideloading but it failed with 'app not installed'.

“App not installed”

Chromebook Issues

The Googlebook version of Brave stopped working after half a day. Microsoft Edge couldn't load past the splash screen.

Gemini Task Failures

Gemini couldn't rename files, install apps, or find screenshots. It repeatedly said 'your googlebook has built-in search tools.'

“Your Googlebook has built-in search tools”

Data Transfer Problem

Moving 30GB of Google Drive data failed multiple times before Solid Explorer transferred it without issues.

Googlebook OS Limitations

Googlebook OS doesn't rival macOS or Windows. Users must bend to the system's way of doing things, and Gemini doesn't define the experience.

Googlebook for Smartphone Users

The Googlebook feels built for someone whose first computer was a smartphone, not desktop users.

Googlebook Needs Time

Googlebook OS needs more time to mature into a truly perfect partner for Android phones.

Samsung Support Fixed

Samsung phone support was fixed after the initial issue with the Googlebook.

Googlebook OS Features

Googlebook OS supports app casting and has a Google Pixel 11 Pro compatible version.

Googlebook OS Limitations

Googlebook OS doesn't support extensions or vertical tabs in browsers, and doesn't show work email by default.

Googlebook OS for Android

Googlebooks are Android-powered laptops designed to work with Android phones and Gemini.

Googlebook OS Problems

Googlebook OS has issues with Samsung phones, app casting, and Gemini task completion.