Google's AI-first Googlebook laptop is almost here - can it avoid the Copilot+ PC problem?

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One of the best computers I ever used was Google's 2015 Chromebook Pixel . In fact, 11 years later, I'm still using it. I'm also still annoyed that Google never released another publicly available model . Recently, Google began its reentry into the laptop market with the Googlebook, with help from HP, Acer, Lenovo, Dell, and Asus .

Also: First look at Googlebook: A premium Chromebook alternative for Android users

This release, however, won't be a high-end Chromebook like the Pixel. Instead, it's the latest manifestation of Google's plan to converge Android and ChromeOS . This scheme has been in the works -- I kid you not -- since 2009. We now think (fingers crossed) that the Googlebook will make their pairing work sometime in September.

This new premium laptop category will combine Android's application ecosystem with ChromeOS's browser strengths and put Gemini AI at the machine's heart . If this sounds to you like Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs , you're right -- it does. Google can only hope it will sell better than Microsoft's AI-first laptops have so far .

Google calls Googlebook "the next generation of ChromeOS," built with parts of the Android stack to give applications "laptop-class" behavior and native-level performance.

This new combo operating system is known as Aluminum OS . Reportedly, this Linux-based operating system will combine ChromeOS and Android. What we don't have, though, is much in the way of details about how Aluminum will work .

The key public promise is that Googlebook with Aluminum will combine Android apps and Chrome with Android phone integration. Googlebook users will be able to work across phones and laptops without manually shifting gears between phones, tablets, and laptops. For example, Quick Access should enable you to browse, search, and insert files stored on a phone directly from the laptop file browser, without transfers. This, or so fans insist, will make this new technology competitive with Apple's Mac, iPhone, and iPad family.

Also: Chromebook vs. Googlebook: How I'm deciding which laptop to upgrade to next

We also still don't know what the Googlebook's processors, memory configurations, storage tiers, or prices will look like. There have been leaks from Googlebook original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as HP , Acer , and Lenovo , but the nuts and bolts are still a mystery.