Google is preparing to pull back the curtain on its first wave of Googlebooks, a new line of Android-based laptops, with an event titled Opening Night scheduled for October 5 in New York City. The company confirmed on Monday that it will begin accepting pre-orders on September 21 and issued an invitation for the upcoming showcase.
According to the invite, the event will include interactive demonstrations and the debut of what Google describes as the first laptop designed specifically for Gemini Intelligence. Shipments are expected to coincide with the event, positioning the devices for the critical holiday shopping window.
The October reveal comes weeks after pre-orders open, a timing that may seem unusual. However, Google anticipates providing additional specifications and details before the sales period begins next week. Since their initial announcement in May, the company has maintained relative secrecy regarding the hardware.
These AI-focused devices will operate on a version of ChromeOS derived from Android, enabling deep integration with Android smartphones. Major manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are producing the laptops, which will feature a distinctive “glowbar” on the lid.
Key software features include Magic Pointer, which offers contextual action suggestions when users hover over screen elements; the feature requires a cursor wiggle to activate and remains off by default. Additionally, the laptops will incorporate a capability from Android 17 that allows users to generate custom widgets.
Pre-orders in September but no price mentioned yet. Hope these aren’t going to be as expensive as the Pixel phones.
Does anyone know if these will run full Windows applications or just Android and web apps? That detail is missing.
Finally, hardware built specifically for Gemini Intelligence. The Magic Pointer feature sounds genuinely useful for workflow efficiency.
Another glowbar? Really? At this point, every laptop manufacturer needs their own signature lighting feature.
Wait, so Google is finally making laptops? This is huge. I wonder how they compare to the Chromebooks we already have.