Googlebook vs. Chromebook: the future of ChromeOS and laptop choices

At a glance:

• Google has unveiled the Googlebook, a premium laptop that combines ChromeOS and Android into a single operating system.
• Chromebooks will continue to receive support and updates through 2034, with no immediate discontinuation plans.
• The Googlebook targets professionals and power users, while Chromebooks remain focused on affordability and education sectors.

Google announces Googlebook

During its I/O developer conference briefing, Google revealed the Googlebook, a new category of laptops that merges its ChromeOS and Android operating systems. This integration aims to provide a seamless experience for users, particularly those with Android smartphones, by enabling features like instant tethering and synchronized notifications without requiring additional downloads.

Alexander Kuscher, Google's tablet and laptop lead, addressed concerns about the future of Chromebooks in a virtual roundtable, stating unequivocally, "Chromebooks are not dead" — at least for the foreseeable future. The Googlebook is positioned as a premium offering, contrasting with the budget-friendly Chromebooks that have dominated the market for over a decade.

Chromebooks: here to stay for now

Despite the introduction of the Googlebook, Chromebooks are not going away anytime soon, primarily because they are deeply embedded in key sectors. Bryan Lee, VP of ChromeOS Enterprise Go-to-Market, told ZDNET that Chromebooks have become an invaluable tool for educational institutions, businesses, and consumers, and Google absolutely intends to continue investing in those experiences.

Chromebooks also have a significant 15-year head start in terms of adoption and ecosystem development. It will likely take years for the Googlebook to reach a similar level of market penetration, ensuring that Chromebooks remain a critical part of Google's strategy for the near to medium term.

Market positioning: premium vs. affordable

The Googlebook and Chromebook serve distinct market segments. Chromebooks are primarily designed for everyday users, offering a cost-effective solution for web browsing, document editing, and basic tasks. In contrast, the Googlebook is aimed at professionals and power users who require more robust performance and seamless integration with Android devices.

A defining feature of the Googlebook is its merged OS, which allows users to access their Android smartphone directly on the laptop with no download required. This includes features like instant hotspot, app continuity, and synchronized messages, making it an attractive option for users heavily invested in the Android ecosystem.

The long-term outlook for ChromeOS

Google has pledged to support and update Chromebooks through 2034, providing a clear timeline for users and institutions. However, this raises questions about what happens after that date. Given Google's history of discontinuing products — as seen in the Google Graveyard with over 300 entries — some speculate that Chromebooks could eventually be phased out in favor of the Googlebook.

Down the line, Google might introduce midrange Googlebooks that directly overlap with the Chromebook market. If the Googlebook line becomes well-established, the company may see little reason to maintain two parallel affordable laptop lines, potentially leading to the discontinuation of Chromebooks. But for now, this remains speculative.

Current developments and user options

As of now, nothing has been confirmed regarding the post-2034 future. We are still eight years away from the currently stated end-of-support date for ChromeOS. Bryan Lee also indicated that more Chromebooks are currently in development, and the company is restocking BackMarket with ChromeOS Flex USB drives.

These USB drives are preloaded with ChromeOS Flex, a lightweight version of the operating system that allows users to install it on older laptops. BackMarket highlights them as a way to breathe new life into aging Windows 10 PCs or even older MacBooks, extending the utility of existing hardware and providing an affordable entry point into the ChromeOS ecosystem.