app streaming Archives

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

The Googlebook work test: Can an Android laptop get the job done?

The Googlebook integrates desktop and mobile experiences, primarily influenced by its Android roots. Its functionality is centered around the Play Store, which affects the app experience based on availability and performance. Google Calendar on the Googlebook resembles its web version, but users can enhance productivity with Android app widgets. There are challenges with installing certain web applications, indicating a need for improved compatibility. The Googlebook features a fully customizable desktop with Android widgets and excels in connectivity, allowing easy access to files on an Android phone. Hardware-wise, the Lenovo Googlebook has a sleek design and premium build quality. It also supports Android app streaming, enabling remote use of many apps, which may change user engagement with applications.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Google’s new Googlebook has clever AI tricks. I’d still pick a Windows laptop

Two new platforms have launched on the PC scene: the Googlebook and the Nvidia RTX Spark platform. The Acer Googlebook 14 was reviewed by Ashley Biancuzzo, while the reviewer is currently focusing on Lenovo’s Googlebook 15, which has a subpar keyboard but features Google’s new Aluminium OS aimed at enhancing the Chromebook experience with AI-powered productivity. To fully utilize the Googlebook, an Android phone running Android 17 is required, although some Samsung phones have been allowed to connect. In contrast, Windows offers Phone Link, which connects an Android phone to a Windows PC and only requires Android 10, allowing for photo transfers, calls, messages, and running Android apps within PC windows. Phone Link is seen as a strong competitor to Googlebook’s offerings, except for app streaming.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Googlebook improving ‘Better Together’ Android sync features, Samsung support rolling out

The launch of Googlebook has generated interest due to its integration with Android devices, but initial rollout revealed inconsistencies in the "Better Together" sync features. Google is addressing these issues through updates, including support for Samsung devices. Core functionalities linking Android phones with Googlebook include app streaming, notification synchronization, and the "Continue On" feature, though not all features are performing as expected. Users have reported that while Instant Hotspot works effectively, other features are slow or unavailable. Google has announced improvements to simplify the setup process and resolved a bug related to the QR code used for pairing. Users should ensure their Google Play Services is updated to version 26.37 and Cross-device Services to version 1.0.1346. Initially, there was a lack of support for Galaxy smartphones, but recent updates have allowed Samsung users to utilize the "Better Together" features. To maximize the experience with Googlebook, users should confirm their phone runs Android 17, check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, use a private home Wi-Fi network, and verify relevant app versions and settings. Some Samsung Galaxy users have reported successful integration of the features following updates, indicating that initial compatibility issues have been resolved.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

Googlebook Phone Pairing Update Rolls Out Android 17 Pixels

Google has identified a first-time setup timing issue that caused connectivity problems for users pairing their phones with new Googlebook laptops. This issue is not related to hardware malfunctions. A fix is being rolled out via a Google Play Services app update, which began this week, addressing the setup sequence and ensuring the QR code clears correctly for phone recognition. Supported devices running Android 17 can pair successfully, but some users may still experience issues if the update hasn't reached their devices. Samsung Galaxy phones, including the latest models, are not yet compatible, and a fix for these devices is expected in the coming weeks. The update is free and delivered through Google Play Services.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Googlebook Cross-Device Features Locked Behind Android 17

Google's new Googlebook cross-device features require a smartphone running Android 17 to access functionalities like phone app streaming, task continuity, and shared file access. Only recent Google Pixel models and Samsung foldable devices with One UI 9 come pre-installed with Android 17, leaving many users with older flagship and mid-range devices unable to utilize these features. New models, such as the POCO F9 series, also launch with Android 16, making them incompatible. Additionally, applications with DRM-protected content or sensitive information will not stream to the laptop, displaying a blank privacy screen instead. The features are included at no extra cost, but their availability depends on the smartphone's Android version.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

HP’s Googlebook 14 Looks Like an Android User’s Dream, But Check the Price

HP has introduced the Googlebook 14, a premium laptop designed to integrate seamlessly with Android phones, featuring phone-file access, app streaming, and a 2.8K OLED touchscreen powered by Snapdragon X Elite hardware. The laptop starts at ,199.99, with Google listing it at ,299 for a configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It supports Android 17 or newer phones, allowing users to access phone files and applications directly from the laptop. The Googlebook 14 has a slim profile, vapor-chamber cooling, a 5MP infrared camera, and supports up to two UHD external displays. Battery life is claimed to be up to 19 hours, but testing methods vary. The laptop includes AI features like Magic Pointer and Rambler, but some features are limited by region and age. Eligible buyers receive 12 months of Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage, available in select countries.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Windows 11’s “almost full-screen” Android apps mirroring now available for everyone via Phone Link app with supported phones

Users can utilize the "Expanded screen" feature in the Microsoft Phone Link app, allowing up to 90% of desktop screen space to be used when streaming Android applications to Windows 11. This feature is available to all users and may require updates from the Microsoft Store for those who do not see it yet. The Phone Link app previously had a compact view for Android app streaming, but now allows apps to stretch across the desktop. The feature prompts the phone to relaunch the app in a wider layout, which is then streamed to the PC, though not all apps are compatible with this expanded view. The feature is described as "almost-full-screen," leaving about 10% of the screen unused. The "Apps" section in Phone Link may be absent if the device is not supported; compatible devices include select models from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi. Microsoft has also introduced the ability to lock PCs directly from Android phones.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Microsoft stops breaking Windows 11 – instead it just made Phone Link even better with Android apps

Microsoft is testing a new feature for Phone Link that allows users to stream Android apps on Windows 11 in an 'expanded view,' which enlarges the app window for a better desktop experience. This feature is still in testing and may have performance issues, such as limited expansion for certain apps like Uber and slightly blurry text. Users can currently use screen mirroring to rotate their phone display to landscape mode as a workaround. The streaming feature is compatible with select smartphones, including models from Samsung, Asus ROG, Honor, OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Basic phone mirroring is supported on a wider range of devices.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Android’s new Computer Control feature shows the Rabbit R1 was ahead of its time

Last year, AI-powered devices like the Rabbit R1 generated excitement but ultimately failed due to high costs, redundancy, and limited utility. This led to a trend in agentic AI, with companies developing AI products that autonomously handle tasks. Google is advancing its Gemini project within the Chrome browser, although it currently has limited functionality. For broader automation across Android apps, Google’s Project Astra was showcased, demonstrating hands-free control of Android devices. However, it revealed performance issues that need improvement. Google is also developing a Computer Control framework to automate Android applications through trusted client apps, requiring specific permissions for security. The framework aims to enhance automation while addressing privacy concerns and resource management.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Amazon’s Vega OS launch trick: cloud-streamed apps

Amazon has introduced its custom-built Vega operating system with the launch of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which comes preinstalled with Vega. This new OS operates alongside Amazon's modified version of Android, creating challenges for developers who are hesitant to fully support Vega. To mitigate potential app shortages at launch, Amazon will allow the Fire TV Stick 4K Select to run Android versions of popular applications through cloud streaming. Amazon has also released documentation for developers on transitioning apps to the Linux-based Vega OS, which uses React Native as its default framework, and introduced the Amazon Cloud App Program to facilitate the deployment of existing Fire TV apps to Vega OS devices. Amazon is offering cloud streaming services free for the first nine months to encourage major publishers to develop native Vega apps, while also enabling cloud streaming for select popular Android apps. Developers can check if their apps are enrolled in the Cloud App Program via the Amazon developer portal. Although cloud streaming for TV apps is not new, Amazon's entry into this space is significant, especially following its previous use of cloud streaming for its Luna gaming service. The announcement of Vega OS comes nearly two years after its initial report and follows the launch of three Echo devices powered by Vega. With nearly 300 million Android-based Fire TV devices sold, it is essential for publishers to maintain support for Android apps. Amazon has stated its commitment to being a multi-OS company, continuing to launch new devices on Fire OS while supporting existing experiences.