Samsung phones now supported by Googlebooks

Samsung Galaxy smartphones running One UI 9.0 are now supported by Googlebooks, a line of computers developed by Google. This support comes after several months of issues and delays, which had left users frustrated.

Googlebooks launch faced challenges

Googlebooks were first presented in September 2023 and officially launched in October. However, the rollout of these devices, intended to replace Chromebooks, faced technical issues with hardware partners like Acer and Intel, causing delays and performance problems.

Samsung users faced connectivity issues

Initially, Samsung Galaxy smartphone users could not use the "Better Together" features that allow seamless interaction between phones and Googlebooks. This inability to connect disappointed many users, with some even returning their newly purchased devices.

Google addresses the issue with updates

In response to user feedback, Google announced on Reddit that the "Better Together" features—such as task continuation, app casting, and notification synchronization—will soon be available on Samsung phones running One UI 9.0 (Android 17). This update will allow users to resume tasks started on one device on another and display phone apps on their Googlebook.

Other Android devices also benefit

The update is not exclusive to Samsung phones. It will also apply to other Android 17 devices from brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Motorola, and Lenovo, provided they are properly configured. Google also simplified the pairing process and fixed some bugs related to QR code display after configuration.

Troubleshooting steps for users

If users still face issues connecting their Samsung phone to a Googlebook, Google recommends checking that the phone is running Android 17, ensuring both devices are on the same Google account, and disabling any VPNs or ad blockers. Additionally, users should verify that Google Play Services and Multi-device Services are updated to the required versions and that necessary settings are enabled. If problems persist, users are advised to wait a few days as the update may still be rolling out.