Google wants people to see its new Googlebook laptops as premium AI-first computers, but the company’s own presentation ends up highlighting why Apple’s MacBook Neo already feels like the more complete product for most buyers.
The new laptops, which arrive this fall, are built heavily around Gemini AI features and an upgraded version of ChromeOS, yet many of the headline tools either already exist on macOS or solve problems users rarely have in daily work.
According to Google, the Googlebook introduces features like Magic Pointer, AI-generated widgets, Android integration, and wireless phone file access. The company clearly wants to move Chromebooks beyond their budget reputation and compete more directly with Apple’s low-cost MacBook Neo.
Macworld described the issue:
“With Chromebooks, customers knew what they were getting, but with the Googlebook, that’s not really the case.”
That identity problem shows up throughout Google’s announcement. Magic Pointer lets users circle dates, images, and on-screen items so Gemini can perform actions automatically, but macOS already handles many of these tasks through built-in text detection, Calendar suggestions, and Apple Intelligence tools. Google’s AI image mashup feature also feels more like a demo feature than something most laptop buyers will consistently use.
The bigger issue is that Googlebook still relies on ChromeOS at its core. That means users continue to face limited professional desktop software support compared to macOS. Buyers spending premium laptop money usually expect a complete desktop experience, especially when Apple already offers the MacBook Neo at $599.
Macworld also pointed out that many AI features require an internet connection, which raises another question about why Google needs an entirely new product category instead of simply updating existing Chromebooks.
Apple’s ecosystem already handles most of this
Google also promoted Android app mirroring and wireless file access between phones and laptops, but Apple users already get similar continuity features through iCloud, AirDrop, clipboard syncing, and iPhone Mirroring. Google’s implementation even appears more limited because users cannot fully control their phones from the laptop display.
The result is awkward timing for Google. Instead of weakening Apple’s position, the Googlebook announcement makes the MacBook Neo look like the simpler and more practical choice for buyers who want premium hardware without compromises.
