Alongside the official launch of five Googlebook models yesterday, Google also introduced the Googlebook OS. Previously reported to be named "Aluminium OS," this operating system is built on Android 17 and incorporates elements from ChromeOS.
As it is based on Android, Google will provide 10 years of update support and new features like Pixel Drop. The interface fully adopts Android icons and settings; for instance, notifications can be pulled down from the top-left corner, while quick settings are accessed by swiping down from the top-right.
According to Google, this move aims to unify the interface across laptops and phones—a strategy similar to the one Apple adopted with iOS 26 and macOS 26 last year. Gemini Intelligence integration is also included, allowing users to summon the virtual assistant and perform faster content searches within the computer.
An interesting feature of Googlebook OS is the "Magic Pointer." Shaking the pointer activates a function similar to "Circle to Search." Googlebook users can search for images displayed on the screen or generate new images entirely using Gemini AI capabilities.
Users can also instruct Gemini to create custom widgets tailored to specific needs. Android phone apps can be opened directly on the Googlebook without prior installation, thanks to the Google Cast feature.
Additionally, users can type using only their voice via "Rambler," a feature previously introduced on Pixel devices. Rambler types in real-time, correcting speech errors and filtering out filler words like "umm" and "ahh."
Android smartphone owners can seamlessly resume tasks on their Googlebook using the "Continue On" feature, which is similar to Apple's "Handoff." Tasks that can be continued across devices include watching videos, reading web articles, composing messages, and editing documents. This feature is useful for those who start a task on their phone but wish to continue it on a tablet or Chromebook.
When a nearby Chromebook or tablet detects a phone with an open app, it displays a suggestion icon for that app. Tapping the icon allows for a quick transfer of the ongoing task.
All Chrome OS and Android apps are compatible with Chrome OS, so users need not worry about a lack of developer support. Apps are downloaded via the Play Store. Examples of natively supported applications include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, CapCut, Netflix, HBO Max, and various Android games.
