Google introduces new laptops with its own OS

Google has launched a series of laptops called Googlebook, aiming to compete in the semi-premium ultraportable market, where devices like the MacBook Air are popular. These laptops run on Googlebook OS, an improved version of ChromeOS, but early tests suggest they face challenges in competing with Windows and macOS.

Limitations in software compatibility

Initial tests of the Acer and Asus Googlebook 14 models revealed several software issues, including lack of compatibility with Samsung smartphones, application problems on Intel processors, and display bugs on OLED screens. While these are expected to be fixed, they highlight current limitations of the operating system.

Web-based apps dominate the OS

On Googlebook OS, some key applications like Gemini, Google Maps, and Google Photos run natively, behaving as if they are built for the operating system. However, major services like YouTube and Gmail run as web apps within a container, which can be more resource-intensive than native apps.

Higher resource usage from web apps

Tests show that web versions of apps, like WhatsApp on Windows 11, use significantly more memory than their native counterparts. Microsoft previously promoted Progressive Web Apps (PWA) but later shifted to encouraging native apps with its WinUI framework, while macOS favors native applications.

Continuation of ChromeOS strategy

Googlebook OS follows a strategy similar to ChromeOS, which also relied heavily on web-based apps. The company avoids maintaining a separate desktop application for services like Netflix and WhatsApp, which transitioned to web versions on Windows in recent years.

Google's reasoning for web-based apps

When asked about the reliance on web apps, Google explained that it divides its applications into web-based "desktop" experiences and those built specifically for the desktop. It claims that some apps are more user-friendly on a laptop due to better ergonomics and screen adaptation.

Google's development approach

Unlike Microsoft and Apple, which developed desktop applications first, Google started with web-based services and later adapted them for mobile. The company appears to have chosen a simpler path, using web containers similar to Microsoft's "new Outlook," which combines features in a WebView2 container.

Future plans remain unclear

Google acknowledges that the system is still evolving and that optimizing responsiveness and memory allocation is an ongoing effort. However, it has not confirmed whether major apps like YouTube or Gmail will ever have native versions on Googlebook OS.