The Googlebook laptop landscape welcomes a new player. Just a day after the first images of Lenovo's models surfaced, renders of the first Asus Googlebook, the CX9406, have now emerged. The news comes from 9to5Google, which obtained the images via the iF Design website, where the product listing had been temporarily published. Despite the description classifying it as a Chromebook, it is clearly not one.
Aluminium OS and the Chromebook name confusion
The listing lists "Aluminium OS" as the operating system, which categorically excludes it from the Chromebook family. This detail confirms that the device is part of the new Googlebook line, whose Gemini-based operating system has not yet received an official name from Google. Early reports suggest the OS might be called Aluminum OS, but nothing is certain yet. The confusion in the iF Design listing might stem from Asus being a long-time Google partner for Chromebooks, and the design platform may have kept a default template.
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The CX9406 design: carbon color and Glowbar LED bar
The images reveal a laptop with a carbon or dark gray color scheme, contrasting with Lenovo's lighter versions. The most distinctive feature is the "Glowbar", an LED strip positioned above the Asus logo. This bar, similar to the Pixel 11's HiLight indicator, will light up for specific notifications, adding a touch of modernity and functionality. The Google logo is clearly visible where the Windows Start button would sit, and the same launcher appears above the Caps Lock key, as on Lenovo's models, suggesting deep OS integration.
Ports and materials: an ultra-light but sturdy frame
The port selection includes one USB-C and one HDMI on one side, while the other side houses one USB-C and two USB-A ports, plus a 3.5mm audio jack. The listing mentions an "Ultra-Ceramic Light Alloy" for the chassis, which would make the device 34% lighter and 13% stronger. However, the official description is confusing and in places seems to contain typos, like "Rational Hormony" and "Super Liq-Crea Tech awe4erfgt". Neither the processor nor storage capacity is specified, leaving room for speculation.
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The future of Googlebooks: growing partners and imminent launch
With Lenovo and now Asus, the list of confirmed manufacturers also includes Acer, Dell, and HP. The rapid succession of leaks suggests that the first wave of Googlebooks might launch soon. This new laptop ecosystem, based on Gemini, promises to revolutionize the way we work, integrating artificial intelligence and innovative design. While we await further details, it's interesting to note how the laptop sector is undergoing a transformation, similar to the one that saw Chromebooks gain popularity. For those following tech news, comparisons with other devices like the iPhone 20 Pro are inevitable, but Googlebooks target a different segment, focusing on productivity and integration with Google services.
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Google's strategy of involving multiple partners for Googlebooks mirrors that of Chromebooks, but with an AI focus. It remains to be seen how the market will welcome these devices and whether they can compete with traditional Windows and Mac laptops. Meanwhile, leaks continue to pique enthusiasts' curiosity, who eagerly await an official announcement.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/08/04/heres-the-first-asus-googlebook
