Googlebook phone features won't work on Samsung at launch

Googlebook is being pitched as the laptop for Android users. But 9to5Google reports that at launch, only a small share of Android owners can use its phone-linked features.

The laptop is built on Android, and its main draw is deep integration between the phone and the laptop. That includes instant hotspot, notification sync, access to files on the phone, and the ability to continue tasks started on the phone. Apps can also be streamed from the phone's display to the laptop.

Those features are part of a system Google calls Better Together. And at launch, Better Together has limits.

Android 17 required

9to5Google found a Google support page confirming that the Android integrations won't work with any device running Android 16 or earlier. Only Android 17 or newer qualifies. According to 9to5Google, that leaves out the vast majority of Android users.

Samsung phones wait

Samsung devices are also not supported at launch, 9to5Google reports. Google says support will roll out "over the coming weeks." The outlet notes it's not clear whether Google or Samsung needs to push an update, but an update on Samsung's end may be needed.

Google's support page says: "Support for Better Together features will be rolling out across all Android 17-supported Samsung devices over the coming weeks. Sorry for the inconvenience!"

Other early hiccups

The phone pairing isn't the only issue. 9to5Google reports Slack, a key workplace app, isn't supported at launch. There are also apparent optimization problems for apps running on Intel hardware.

What to do

If you have a Samsung phone and the phone connection is why you want a Googlebook, wait. The feature isn't working yet. Google says support is arriving in the coming weeks, so the delay may be short. If you already ordered one, you can still use it as a laptop, but plan for the phone features to be missing at first.

• Android 17
• Better Together
• Google
• Googlebook
• laptop
• Samsung