Google's new Android-based Googlebook OS brings Gemini integration to laptops, but early testing of the Asus Googlebook 14 reveals notable limitations in file management, app compatibility, and local task execution.
The first connection and application problems
The setup process was simple, but the experience quickly began to deteriorate. When the tester pressed the special G key on the keyboard to search for Gmail by simply typing “mail,” the system returned results from the web instead of the app itself. Additionally, the Gmail app opened just like a regular web browser, without automatically displaying work emails alongside personal ones.
When it comes to connecting to mobile phones, the system initially didn't support Samsung phones, preventing them from connecting and installing apps like Samsung Notes, although the issue was later fixed. Other phones, like the Google Pixel 11 Pro, were able to mirror apps from the phone to the laptop screen, although secure authentication apps were blocked for security reasons.
Issues with browsers and files
The experience continued with difficulties using alternative web browsers. The Brave version lacked add-ons and vertical tabs and stopped working after half a day, while Microsoft Edge couldn't even get past the initial loading screen.
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While transferring 30 gigabytes of data from Google Drive using the built-in file manager app, the process repeatedly failed. The user was forced to resort to a third-party app to complete the job.
The limitations of artificial intelligence
While the built-in Gemini AI responded well to random questions and tasks with the smart cursor, it failed to perform basic system actions. It couldn't rename files or search the computer's local files directly.
After testing, it becomes clear that Googlebook OS is not yet ready to compete with established systems like Windows or macOS.
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