PCMag’s one-week test of an ASUS Googlebook 14 found that Gemini answered general questions and helped with project planning, but did not complete several direct system tasks. The reported results include failed file searches and handoffs to other apps or settings, alongside other tasks that worked in separate attempts.
What Gemini did and did not complete
In the test, Gemini did not rename files or search local storage directly from chat. When asked to find screenshots, it opened Google Photos; when asked to switch on dark mode, it opened Settings without changing the setting. A request to install Fantastical Calendar returned a Google Play Store link rather than installing the app.
Those examples describe what happened in PCMag’s test, not every Gemini task. The same reviewer said Gemini handled general questions and project planning, and Magic Pointer worked in the instances he tried.
Some Googlebook users separately said Gemini sometimes answered questions as if they were about a Chromebook or phone unless they specified Googlebook. Other users described it recognizing the product, so community reports varied.
Browser, phone and file-transfer friction
The ASUS test also turned up problems beyond Gemini’s direct actions. Brave lacked extensions and vertical tabs and stopped working after about half a day; Microsoft Edge did not get past its splash screen. Chrome supported extensions and vertical tabs, but the reviewer could not access his post-Chrome bookmarks and browsing history there.
App casting worked with a Google Pixel 11 Pro, including with Airbnb. One authenticator app was blocked for security reasons in that test. The issue concerned that app, not every authenticator.
The Files app failed several times while moving 30GB from Google Drive. Solid Explorer completed the transfer. That is a result from one reported file move, not a speed measurement.
Googlebook Chrome also drew mixed reactions from users. Some described desktop-style windows and tab management; others reported missing multiple profiles or problems with particular extensions and websites.
Separate tests found mixed results for Magic Pointer and Magic Cue
TechRepublic’s October 22, 2026 roundup, summarizing a separate Guardian review, reported that Magic Pointer summarized text and answered questions, but sometimes refused image-generation requests and failed to add calendar events. Rambler voice dictation worked as expected in that review. The roundup also said Magic Cue did not activate during the reviewer’s two-week test.
These reports cover different features and attempts. PCMag described Magic Pointer working in the instances its reviewer tried; the Guardian results summarized by TechRepublic included failures on some tasks.
What Google says about Gemini on Chromebooks
Google’s documentation describes Gemini in Chrome for Chromebook Plus devices. In the United States, the feature is listed for users 18 or older; access also requires a supported language, a signed-in Chrome profile and the latest Chrome version. Google says the rollout is gradual, and managed work or school accounts may require administrator approval. Google’s Chromebook Plus eligibility details list those requirements.
Google separately says current Chromebooks receive updates through their supported lifetimes, many newer models may transition to Googlebook OS, and ChromeOS updates and security patches are planned through mid-2034. Google’s ChromeOS support information describes that support path.
