Google's new laptop OS faces usability challenges in early testing
Reviewers testing the five Googlebook models report strong hardware but criticize the operating system for inconsistent Android app performance and limited desktop functionality.
Google's recently launched Googlebook laptops, built by Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Acer and HP, have been praised for solid hardware, yet reviewers say the new operating system falls short of expectations. The OS, which replaces ChromeOS with Android, is intended to provide faster development and tighter integration with Android phones, but testers encountered numerous usability issues.
"Replacing ChromeOS with Android will allow for much faster development," a Google representative told reporters at the launch preview. However, reviewers noted that the current implementation feels like a step back from ChromeOS, citing problems such as the inability to run Chrome with separate Google accounts and clunky behavior of many Android apps on a laptop form factor.
Specific complaints include unconventional keyboard shortcuts, limited window management, and a "Clear All" button that closes all apps unexpectedly. Popular Android apps such as Slack, Netflix and others often launch in tablet-style full-screen modes, making multitasking cumbersome. While some Google apps adapt well, many still prioritize touch input over keyboard and mouse, leading to inconsistent experiences.
Developers also face challenges. A tester who installed Linux applications via a Debian virtual machine reported that those apps do not appear in the Android app drawer or taskbar and require manual switching between environments, with no shared clipboard or file access. Gaming performance in the virtual machine was described as laggy.
Integration with Android phones showed occasional success, such as replying to WhatsApp messages from laptop notifications and using Quick Share for file transfers. Nonetheless, connection stability issues and slow file browsing were reported, and some apps failed to cast at all.
Overall, the reviewers conclude that while the hardware is competitive, the operating system needs significant refinement and broader developer support before it can serve as a viable alternative to existing laptop platforms.