Google admits some Android apps won't run smoothly on new Intel-based Googlebooks

Google has confirmed that its new Googlebook laptops built on Intel processors may not run every Android app smoothly, an admission made on the same day the devices launched.

Until now, Google had focused its messaging on the fact that Android-based Googlebooks give users access to the entire Play Store library, along with convenient interactions with Android phones and tablets. In a statement given to Android Authority, however, the company acknowledged that while every app can technically be installed, some won't perform well on every device.

Google explained that the vast majority of Android apps work smoothly across both Intel and Qualcomm versions of the Googlebook straight out of the box. However, because many Android apps were originally built for Arm-based chips, a small number of complex apps or games require additional developer tuning to perform well on Intel's x86 platform. The company said it is working closely with app developers, along with Intel and Qualcomm, to keep optimizing performance and expanding compatibility across its full app portfolio.

Google did not disclose how many apps are affected, nor did it name any specific titles experiencing performance issues.

Five models split between two chip architectures

Five Googlebook laptop models went on sale today. Three of them — made by Acer, Asus, and Lenovo — run on Intel's x86 processors. The remaining two, from Dell and HP, use Qualcomm's Arm-based Snapdragon chips instead, which should give them stronger compatibility with Android apps generally.

The Verge said it plans to test all five Googlebook models across its team and will report back on any specific performance issues it uncovers.