Google has confirmed that Android app support varies across its initial lineup of Googlebook laptops. In a statement sent to Android Authority, the company shared that most Android apps run smoothly on both Intel and Qualcomm models, but a small number of complex apps and games may need developer tuning to run best on Intel-based devices.
The difference comes from processor architecture. Qualcomm-powered Googlebooks use Arm-based Snapdragon chips, which match the architecture that most Android apps use. Intel-powered Googlebooks use the good old x86 processors, so some apps made for Arm hardware may not run as well as you would want.
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7, which debuted with an Arm processor, faced the same issues initially, but the other way around. When the all-new Arm-based chips were introduced, they required special interest from developers to run as optimally as they would on x64/x86 processors.
Three of the five launch models, which are made by Acer, Asus, and Lenovo, use Intel processors. The unreleased Dell and HP models will use Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.
Google has not yet revealed which apps or games face issues or what problems users may encounter, but it says it’s working with developers, Intel, and Qualcomm to improve compatibility and performance across the lineup. Google says apps may be installable even when they are not yet optimized for a particular Googlebook model.
The Play Store on Googlebooks is expected to highlight apps optimized for Googlebooks, but users can still install unoptimized apps.
If you want Android apps to work well on your Googlebook right out of the gate, opt for a Qualcomm Snapdragon model, since its Arm architecture is compatible with Android. While Intel models are an appealing choice for their price, we recommend reading reviews on how less-optimized apps run on these devices before making a decision.
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