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A week with Googlebooks: four notes from our testing so far
The Verge • • technology
Key Points:
- Google's new Googlebook laptops feature strong hardware but are hampered by underdeveloped software, leading to user frustrations and a sense that the OS feels like a step back from ChromeOS.
- Many Android apps run poorly on Googlebook OS, with inconsistent windowing, awkward keyboard and mouse support, and a general feeling that the devices are Android tablets masquerading as laptops.
- Linux app support via a virtual machine is currently clunky and isolated, with apps not integrating well into the OS or offering smooth multitasking, limiting their usefulness as alternatives to Android apps.
- The touted seamless Android phone integration shows promise but is unreliable, with frequent connection drops, slow file transfers, and inconsistent app casting experiences.
- Overall, while Googlebooks have potential, significant software development and better app optimization are urgently needed for the platform to fulfill its promise as a viable alternative to Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS laptops.
