We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, serve personalized ads, and analyze traffic. You can manage your preferences or accept/reject all.
Cookie Preferences
EssentialRequired for the site to function. Always active.
AnalyticsHelp us understand how visitors interact with the site.
AdvertisingUsed to deliver personalized ads.
FunctionalEnable enhanced functionality and personalization.
A week with Googlebooks: four notes from our testing so far
·1 min read
Key Takeaway
Google's new operating system is off to a rocky start. The five newly launched Googlebook laptops have hardware that ranges from great to excellent, but the software in its current state is the weak point.
Published October 9, 2026 · Category: Tech
Overview
Software, software, software. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
Google's new operating system is off to a rocky start. The five newly launched Googlebook laptops have hardware that ranges from great to excellent, but the software in its current state is the weak point. There are four of us on staff at The Verge actively testing Googlebooks and, frankly, our internal Slack discussions have been mostly filled with collective venting of frustrations, disappointments, and bewilderment.
The promise of Googlebooks as a fresh and smartly designed alternative to Windows or Mac for Android phone owners sounds great, but there's more than just a few kinks and quirks to work out. Some of its issues and challenges …
What is "A week with Googlebooks: four notes from our testing so far" about?+
Google's new operating system is off to a rocky start. The five newly launched Googlebook laptops have hardware that ranges from great to excellent, but the software in its current state is the weak point. There are four of us on staff at The Verge actively testing Googlebooks and, frankly, our internal Slack discussions have […]
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, serve personalized ads, and analyze traffic. You can manage your preferences or accept/reject all.
Cookie Preferences
EssentialRequired for the site to function. Always active.
AnalyticsHelp us understand how visitors interact with the site.
AdvertisingUsed to deliver personalized ads.
FunctionalEnable enhanced functionality and personalization.
