Google has announced a new brand of laptop called "Googlebook". Unlike the Chromebook, which was mainly about reducing hardware needs, the Googlebook is based around artificial intelligence.

The Googlebook appears to be the result of a much-discussed merger of ChromeOS (which runs Chromebooks) and Android. The new devices will closely integrate with Android phones. Users will be able to respond to phone messages on their Googlebook and access files from the phone without needing a cable.

However, it's Google's AI tool Gemini which Google is pushing as the main point of the Googlebook. It goes as far as saying that the Chrome OS/Android hybrid will not be an operating system as we know it, but rather a Gemini "intelligence system". (Source: blog.google)

Gemini Intelligence System

Google is pretty vague about what this means in practice, other than a general sense that different apps will work together more smoothly, for example in a dashboard that combines Gmail and Calendar information. It gives the example of a "spot" on the desktop which can house all elements of a planned vacation such as flight and hotel information and restaurant reservations, though it somewhat underwhelmingly tops this off with "even a countdown".

The most specific feature Google has unveiled is the "Magic Pointer", which is simply the cursor but with "helpful" suggested actions automatically popping up. For example, hovering over a date in an email will bring up an option to automatically "set up a meeting".

There's no real detail yet on whether the AI tools will act as an agent, meaning they carry out actions (such as making a restaurant reservation by filling in website forms and clicking buttons) rather than just responding to prompts. That's a future for AI that is potentially extremely helpful or highly risky depending on your viewpoint.

Criticism and High Costs

Critics of the Googlebook concept point to two potential shortcomings. One is that the listed features feel very much like trying to find a way to use a technology rather than developing technology to solve a real problem.

The other is that it completely throws out the Chromebook concept of doing most of the processing work online, reducing the hardware requirements and allowing for low-cost laptops. Instead, Google outright says Googlebook devices will be "powered by premium hardware" which suggests they will be expensive, in turn making them more direct competitors with Windows laptops and Macbooks. (Source: inc.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Would you prefer an "intelligence system" over a traditional operating system? Are you willing to pay a premium price for a Google-branded laptop? Do you think AI agents should be allowed to make reservations on your behalf?