Googlebooks Hide 7 Features, Including Circle to Search and File Summaries
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Oct 23
Googlebooks Hide 7 Features, Including Circle to Search and File Summaries
1 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Oct 23
Summary
Seven lesser-known Googlebook features surfaced in JR Raphael’s follow-up hands-on review, shifting focus from headline AI tricks to buried tools users may miss.
Among the most useful are “Look up” for instant definitions or Gemini-generated context, Circle to Search hidden in settings, and customizable keyboard and screen-corner shortcuts.
Googlebooks also auto-summarize many locally stored files, offer Android-style screen savers, and include notification history that logs both laptop and synced phone alerts once enabled.
The review says these additions show promise but also expose rough edges, including overlapping search tools, limited shortcut options, and Gemini responses that can misinterpret terms.
That mix reinforces the broader view of Googlebooks as an unfinished Android-based laptop platform whose appeal will depend on whether Google keeps improving it.