Googlebook OS

Googlebook OS
DeveloperGoogle
Google DeepMind (AI core)
OS familyAndroid
Source modelClosed-source
Initial releaseOctober 4, 2026; 26 days ago (2026-10-04)
Marketing targetPersonal computers (Tablets, Laptops, Desktops)
Package managerAPK-based
Supported platformsARM64, x64
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux kernel)
Influenced byAndroid
ChromeOS
Preceded byChromeOS
Official websitegooglebook.google Edit this at Wikidata

Googlebook OS (codenamed Aluminium OS) is a desktop operating system created and developed by Google and Google DeepMind for the Googlebook series of computers and Chromebooks. It is a fusion between Android and ChromeOS intended to replace the latter. It competes primarily with Microsoft's Windows and Apple's macOS. It was released on October 4, 2026.

History

After some rumours, Google confirmed in July 2025 that ChromeOS will "merge" with Android under one unified platform. It was formally announced at the Snapdragon Summit in September 2025. Internally, it was known as codename Aluminium.

The existing ChromeOS will be replaced by a desktop-optimized Android-based operating system. Both are Linux-based. The same Android software would run on desktop and mobile and be adapted for the different display sizes. Like ChromeOS, the desktop version of Aluminium will work on both ARM and x86 processors. The latter port is expected to be the first mainline maintained x86 architecture version of Android.

The new OS was announced on 12 May 2026, during Google I/O. It will be used by Googlebooks, a line of premium laptops by third-party OEMs, and many Chromebooks will also be able to use the new operating system. The company clarified that Aluminium was a codename during development and would not be the actual name, and that the actual name would be unveiled later in the year.

The new OS is only intended to replace the consumer version of ChromeOS, as Google intends to continue supporting it for enterprise and education users. ChromeOS Flex will also continue to be supported.

A beta GSI build of the OS, based on Android 17 and compiled for ARM64 devices, was leaked on 12 May 2026 and was hosted by MysticGSI on Telegram, where it is still available to download (shared via YouTube). The build string is CL2B.260330.037.

The new OS was given a name on 21 September 2026, that being Googlebook OS.

Features

Googlebook OS is heavily integrated with Google Gemini artificial intelligence as a core feature; one feature demonstrated is "Magic Pointer", where shaking the cursor allows the user to contextually select items on-screen to receive suggestions and create a Gemini prompt. It supports integration with Android smartphones, including a dedicated taskbar button for accessing apps mirrored from the phone, and transferring of data such as files between devices.

The OS has a terminal app to access a Debian Linux command-line environment. With this, the user can install and run developer tools, code environments, and access other Linux applications. It expands the device's capabilities for advanced tasks and software development.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Benedetto, Antonio G. Di (May 12, 2026). "Google announces its Chromebook successor: the Googlebook". Theverge.com. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Lenovo Googlebook leak reveals the name of Google's new laptop operating system". Chrome Unboxed - The Latest Chrome OS News. September 11, 2026. Retrieved September 14, 2026.
  3. ↑ Pippig, Laura. "Leak shows Google's new Aluminium OS in action for the first time". PCWorld. FoundryCo, Inc. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 Li, Abner (May 12, 2026). "Google announces Googlebooks with Gemini Intelligence focus, coming this fall". 9to5Google. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  5. ↑ Li, Abner (May 17, 2026). "Aluminium OS Is Still Coming This Year – Hint". Aluminium-OS. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  6. 1 2 Fingas, Roger (December 12, 2025). "Google is bringing Android to PCs with Aluminium - here's what we know so far". Pocket-lint. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
  7. 1 2 Hacks, Gadget (November 24, 2025). "Google Reveals 'Aluminium OS': Android-ChromeOS Merger". Gadget Hacks. Archived from the original on December 1, 2025. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
  8. ↑ Benedetto, Antonio G. Di (July 15, 2025). "Our biggest questions about ChromeOS and Android merging". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 19, 2025. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  9. ↑ bio, See full. "You Got Your Phone OS in My Laptop! Here's How Android and ChromeOS Will Merge". CNET. Archived from the original on January 3, 2026. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Our continued commitment to Chromebooks, and looking ahead". Google Cloud Blog. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
  11. ↑ Shane Craig (May 12, 2026). Google's Desktop OS Leaks Hours Before I/O Event. Retrieved June 5, 2026 – via YouTube.
  12. ↑ Li, Abner (September 21, 2026). "Googlebook OS hands-on: It's Android, stupid". 9to5Google. Retrieved September 21, 2026.
  13. ↑ Whitwam, Ryan (May 12, 2026). "Google's Android-powered laptops are called Googlebooks, and they're coming this year". Ars Technica. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Use the Terminal app on Googlebook". Google. Retrieved October 8, 2026.