Intel joins the party with Qualcomm and MediaTek to power Googlebook laptops

Google has just introduced what might just well be a direct competitor to the MacBook Neo, the Googlebook line. At the event, the company has confirmed that it's working closely with OEM partners like HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, and Lenovo. That means there will be a variety of options available in terms of both hardware and overall design.

Speaking of the hardware, the brand didn't give out much about the processors that will be powering its new laptop lineup. However, at an interview with Chrome Unboxed, Google VP John Maletis has confirmed that the company is working with Qualcomm, MediaTek, and, interestingly, Intel in this regard.

Intel has even made a formal announcement through a post at X, revealing that it has partnered with Google for the Googlebook project. Now, while Google didn't specify the OS that will be powering its new laptop lineup, it's expected to be Aluminum OS (ALOS), which is also scheduled to launch in Fall 2026, the same timeline as the tentative release timeline for the laptops.

Nonetheless, a massive leak from notable leaker Mystic Leaks points out that the operating system is meant to run on ARM devices. That makes the position of Qualcomm and MediaTek clear, but Intel joining hands with Google for this project hints that ARM-based Intel processors could be on the way.

Of course, this isn't anything out of the expected, as in August 2025, Intel showcased a reference ARM-based SoC, which is under the codenamed Deer Creek Falls lineup, manufactured on the 18A node. If that project is still alive, the Googlebook project could mark one of the first commercial deployments, and it would be interesting to see how well it competes with MacBooks powered by Apple's latest M-series chips (13-inch M5 MacBook Air curr. $999 on Amazon).