Android Police's reviewer likes the new Googlebook laptop but won't buy one, citing AI that can see everything on screen and a $999 starting price.
Google's new Googlebook laptop is the Android-style MacBook rival many people wanted. But one Android Police writer says he won't buy it. His reasons are an AI feature that can see everything on your screen and a starting price of $999.
The Googlebook runs Googlebook OS. Its big strength, according to the review, is that everything on your phone is also available on your laptop, like a seamless extension. The reviewer calls it more than a Chrome OS refresh and says it looks brilliant. Google's Gemini AI is built into many parts of it.
The key feature is Magic Pointer. A wiggle or scribble on the trackpad starts a Gemini conversation. It can take screenshots, search, check for scams and act as a shortcut to tools like Rambler. The reviewer says it is optional, and Google does not force people to keep it on. The Googlebook can be used without any AI features.
With Magic Pointer on, the AI can read and act on everything on the display. That includes personal photos, banking details, private notes and passwords. The reviewer's concern is accidental activation. A trackpad is touched constantly, whether or not you mean to call up the AI.
He compares it with the Pebble Index 01, a ring that records only when its button is pressed. He also points out that voice assistants still seem to wake up when nobody says the trigger phrase. Gemini only starts a conversation and should not act until told to. Still, he says he can't trust it to start only when needed.
The cheapest Googlebook costs $999. The cheapest MacBook Neo costs $699. The reviewer says he set up a MacBook Neo and liked how Apple respected his wish not to use Apple Intelligence. He expects the same from a Googlebook. He also says devices from different makers can work well together, so a branded ecosystem is not a must.
This is one reviewer's opinion, and he describes himself as highly skeptical of AI. The article does not explain how Magic Pointer handles screen data behind the scenes. It does not say what settings control it. It also does not say whether Google plans a cheaper model. The reviewer only suggests a future "Googlebook Neo" without Gemini tools could change his mind.
Before buying any AI laptop, check whether the AI helper can be fully turned off and what it can see on your screen.
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