When Google announced that Googlebook OS was built directly on modern Android foundations, one of the first thoughts running through my head (and likely millions of other mobile gamers’ heads) was, not surprisingly: finally, Android games on a Google laptop are just going to work. No more weird … [Read more...] about Android gaming on Googlebook is already hitting a frustratingly familiar roadblock
Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.
START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL)
Real desktop widgets and shortcuts on the Googlebook desktop are refreshing
For the past 24 hours, I’ve been putting our initial launch fleet of Googlebooks through the ringer. There's so much to learn and discover with a completely new OS, so I'm constantly falling off task to test, tinker, and investigate every nook and cranny I can find in Googlebook OS. This is a … [Read more...] about Real desktop widgets and shortcuts on the Googlebook desktop are refreshing
Googlebook ‘Better Together’ doesn’t work with Samsung phones, but will soon
As Googlebooks land on doorsteps and store shelves, one of the biggest day-one promises of Googlebook OS is its seamless continuity with Android phones. From notification syncing to app streaming, shared clipboards, and cross-device file access, the suite of Better Together features is meant to make … [Read more...] about Googlebook ‘Better Together’ doesn’t work with Samsung phones, but will soon
The Googlebook era is here: some first impressions of the hardware and a whole new OS
Today is the day. After months of tracking code commits, dissecting leaks, and getting that unforgettable first taste at Google’s media showcase in New York City, Googlebooks are officially landing on doorsteps and retail shelves. Our review units were quite literally all dropped off minutes ago, … [Read more...] about The Googlebook era is here: some first impressions of the hardware and a whole new OS
Why a leaked Samsung Android laptop on Geekbench likely isn’t a Googlebook
With the retail debut of Googlebook just a few days away, anticipation around the ecosystem is continuing to grow. Over the last 24 hours, a fascinating benchmark listing has made the rounds. Originally spotted on Geekbench, a Samsung device carrying model number XE940XSA surfaced running Android … [Read more...] about Why a leaked Samsung Android laptop on Geekbench likely isn’t a Googlebook
Enter to win a brand new Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook with the Kompanio 540
With all the buzz surrounding the imminent launch of Googlebook hardware, a lot of people have been asking what this new era means for existing Chromebooks. In our latest video breaking down the future of ChromeOS, we made one thing crystal clear: Chromebooks aren't going anywhere, and these … [Read more...] about Enter to win a brand new Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook with the Kompanio 540
Google introduces Gemini 4 Argon, pushing frontier AI into complex, real-world tasks
Google DeepMind has officially unveiled its next major frontier model: Gemini 4 Argon. While consumer artificial intelligence over the past couple of years has largely centered on conversational chatbots, image generation, and quick writing assistance, Argon is engineered for a completely different … [Read more...] about Google introduces Gemini 4 Argon, pushing frontier AI into complex, real-world tasks
Henry Cavill is partnering with Google to build a video game on Googlebook
Celebrity tech endorsements are usually predictable, safe, and entirely forgettable. A famous face holds up a phone on an Instagram reel, smiles next to a laptop in a glossy print ad, and everyone goes about their day knowing full well they probably went straight back to their personal setup the … [Read more...] about Henry Cavill is partnering with Google to build a video game on Googlebook
Google is quietly ditching the ‘Spark’ brand to merge tasks directly into Gemini
Since Google first introduced Gemini Spark as its autonomous, 24/7 background AI agent, the tech and the execution have been really impressive. The ability to hand off complex, multi-step actions across Gmail, Google Calendar, and Drive, or set recurring autonomous schedules feels like a big step … [Read more...] about Google is quietly ditching the ‘Spark’ brand to merge tasks directly into Gemini
Googlebook is taking over Best Buy with an unprecedented in-store marketing push
I had to run an errand earlier today and swing by our local Best Buy to grab a couple of small soundbars for the simulator bays at Proof Golf. It was meant to be a routine, five-minute in-and-out trip. However, the moment I walked up to the front entrance, I stopped dead in my tracks. Sitting … [Read more...] about Googlebook is taking over Best Buy with an unprecedented in-store marketing push
My favorite convertible Chromebook is $150 off right now and primed for Googlebook OS
With all the excitement swirling around next week's Googlebook retail launch, it can feel a bit tough to recommend buying an existing Chromebook right now. But when a Chromebook this good gets a deal price this solid, I don't have any issues with it at all - especially considering the fact that … [Read more...] about My favorite convertible Chromebook is $150 off right now and primed for Googlebook OS
‘Blanc’ is another new Intel Wildcat Lake-powered Googlebook already in the works
With the first wave of launch-day Googlebook hardware landing on store shelves in just a matter of days, it would be tempting to think development work might be quiet while everyone waits to see how the market reacts. Instead, work on the next generation of Googlebooks is already moving full steam … [Read more...] about ‘Blanc’ is another new Intel Wildcat Lake-powered Googlebook already in the works
