Googlebook faces criticism over missing apps and unfinished features

Google is introducing Googlebook, a laptop platform built on Android.

The new system is aimed in part at people who already use Android phones, and offers premium hardware, Gemini features and closer phone integration.

But reviewers say key apps and features are missing or unfinished.

Slack’s web app reportedly fails to install through the Play Store, while Google says it plans to add a Chromebook-style workaround.

Some phone-linking features require newer Android versions and do not work with Samsung phones, according to one account.

The app limits also affect professional tools: reviewers say Googlebook lacks native desktop apps for ChatGPT and Claude, and Linux support does not provide a straightforward workflow for tools such as VS Code.

That leaves buyers paying at least $899 for a less complete experience, while established Windows laptops and MacBooks offer alternatives.

Google has said it will bring the Slack workaround to Googlebooks, but the platform’s broader shortcomings remain unresolved in the accounts provided.