Google's new Googlebook laptops require Android 17 to utilize the Better Together integration features. These capabilities include app streaming, file access, notification mirroring, and cross-device session continuity between a smartphone and the laptop.
Despite shipping with Android 17, current Samsung devices like the Z Fold 8 do not support these features at launch. Users report that while devices detect each other, they fail to maintain a stable connection. Google confirmed that support for Samsung hardware will arrive via an update in the coming weeks.
The requirement for Android 17 limits compatibility across the broader Android ecosystem. Motorola's 2026 lineup currently runs on Android 16, while OnePlus is still testing the latest OS version. Xiaomi has deployed Android 17 to select high-end models, though Googlebook availability remains limited in its primary markets.
Currently, Pixel phones are the only devices offering full integration with Googlebook laptops. While Google previously aimed to decouple features from specific OS builds via Google Play Services, the Better Together suite remains tied to the latest Android version, creating a significant barrier for non-Pixel users.
