Intel Googlebooks will struggle with some Android apps, Google confirms

Google confirmed to Android Authority that Intel-based Googlebook machines can have trouble with some Android apps. The issue mirrors a problem from the early days of Android apps on ChromeOS: apps built for ARM chips don't always run smoothly on x86 hardware.

The vast majority of Android apps run smoothly across both Intel and Qualcomm Googlebooks right out of the box.

But Google's statement adds that "a small handful of complex apps or games need some developer tuning to run their best on Intel-based platforms." The company says it is working with developers, Intel, and Qualcomm to improve compatibility.

The timing matters because the first wave of Googlebook laptops — from Lenovo, Asus, and Acer — all use Intel's Panther Lake chips. Dell and HP machines use the Snapdragon X Elite. A MediaTek chip is also planned but not yet shipping.

For buyers: if you plan to run demanding Android games or specialized apps on an Intel Googlebook, expect occasional hiccups. Google says most apps are fine, but "complex" titles may need time to be optimized.

• Android apps
• compatibility
• Googlebook
• Intel
• laptops