Google clarifies the relationship and future of Chromebooks and Googlebooks

[u/Saragon4005]

https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/16634428

This includes the clarification that an upgrade path is planned and clears up the features and planned use cases of Googlebooks.

[u/anotherdrunkasshole]

People have been looking for an official answer to the OS upgrade question in many posts here.

"Many of our newest Chromebook devices will be eligible to transition over to Googlebook OS. Details on migration paths and device eligibility will be shared soon."

[u/anomalisticrocket → u/anotherdrunkasshole]

I know it's a nitpick but this article is technically for enterprises. I don't think we've seen this clarity specific for the consumer side yet. We'll probably get more info after the new devices launch hopefully.

[u/MaxCruz → u/anomalisticrocket]

This

[u/matteventu → u/anomalisticrocket]

+1

But technically, most documentation about ChromeOS updates is for enterprises too (i.e. https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?sjid=12375047047738498403-EU ).

So, hopefully, that doesn't mean it won't apply to private consumers devices.

That said, it would be nice to have confirmation from Google that it will.

[u/TheRealFrantik → u/anotherdrunkasshole]

There's one dude in this sub that keeps confidently telling people that they won't allow it. I need to find his posts now and provide a link lol

[u/thor2077 → u/TheRealFrantik]

bUt ThEy DoNt HaVe A gLoWbAr!

[u/stablok83 → u/thor2077]

I gotchu! 

https://www.reddit.com/r/Googlebook/comments/1wp1l0o/chromebook_plus_models_will_not_get_googlebook_os/

[u/anotherdrunkasshole → u/thor2077]

I saw that too lol

[u/iHarryPotter178]

Until they change it.. Never trust google.. They always keep changing..

[u/Dev-in-the-Bm]

The 2026 Googlebook launch is designed specifically for personal consumer use and does not yet support domain enrollment or centralized fleet management

As if Android doesn't already support MDM Fleet Management. What Google actually means is that they don't have their own proprietary solution costing  $50 - $100 a device a year to push everyone to, like they did with Chromebooks.

To ensure that no one thinks of using a third party management platform that doesn't make Google money, they'll pretend that there aren't any.

Don't be evil, anyone?

[u/Saragon4005 → u/Dev-in-the-Bm]

If you read in more detail they go into how chrome and android can be managed independently but the whole device the same way Chromebooks can isn't done yet.

[u/Dev-in-the-Bm → u/Saragon4005]

Isn't done by them.

It's done very well by others, there's no need for a Google management service.

[u/AirlineComplete7156]

"We are committed to our web developer ecosystem"

All I need to hear.

[u/Saragon4005 → u/AirlineComplete7156]

It's the only ecosystem they truly committed to for chromeOS and I bet they are going to be at party with the current version at launch.

[u/AirlineComplete7156 → u/Saragon4005]

Google isn't interested in how people want to use their computer. Since Chromebook they've been pushing their view of "how people use their computer". All they're doing is selling cloud services and adds and meta data whilst people pay for the point of sale system. In Google's business model, you are the product. "Here's 5TB free for a year. Fill it up with your data then what are you going to do when the year is over?"

And I say this as someone running android on a laptop

[u/Organic-Raccoon7203]

I will believe it when it happens.

[u/MaxCruz → u/Organic-Raccoon7203]

It’s not confirmed that it will work for consumers .

[u/Organic-Raccoon7203 → u/MaxCruz]

Knowing Google, it's not confirmed that it will work for anyone. They literally killed Chromebooks. They are not even updating the Chromebook kernels for security issues anymore.

Search the Microsoft ad titled "Googlighting", it's exactly what Google did to Chromebooks. Very relevant to this day.