Google Announces Googlebook Laptop Preorders for September 21

Google has announced that preorders for its new line of Googlebook laptops will open on September 21 at 9 a.m. ET, marking the official launch of a new category of premium devices running a custom Android-based operating system. The company confirmed the date in an email to users who had signed up for updates and via a teaser video on social media. The Googlebook represents a significant shift from Google's existing ChromeOS-powered Chromebooks. The new devices will run a new Android-based operating system, not ChromeOS, which enables native support for Android applications. Google VP John Maletis stated that the platform allows for "truly native Android applications, not emulated," promising improved performance for mobile apps on a laptop form factor. The first wave of Googlebook devices will be manufactured by a range of hardware partners, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Consumers will be able to place preorders through the Google Store for devices from these manufacturers. The company has not yet specified which exact models will be available for preorder on September 21.