Googlebook cross-device features require Android 17 phone

Google has revealed fine print about its new Googlebook laptop platform: several cross-device features require a phone running Android 17, according to How-To Geek. The company also confirmed that app support on Googlebooks can vary depending on the laptop's processor.

Features such as task continuity, shared file access, phone app streaming and synced notifications require a compatible smartphone running Android 17. DRM-protected video services and sensitive apps such as banking cannot be streamed to the laptop, which shows a privacy screen instead.

Google said certain complex apps and games require developer optimization to run well on Intel-powered Googlebooks. Three out of five Googlebooks at launch use x86 Intel processors. The company says it is working with developers to improve app compatibility, and that the Play Store highlights optimized apps.

Googlebook was first showcased in May, positioned around tight integration with Android smartphones similar to Apple's Continuity. The first wave of Googlebooks from leading PC brands has now hit the shelves, combining Android and ChromeOS with Gemini integrated.

Samsung's DeX mode and other screen mirroring tools have long had similar restrictions on streaming protected or sensitive apps.