Googlebooks don’t have the same web app or Linux app support as Chromebooks

9to5google.com Oct 6, 2026

Googlebooks don’t have the same web app or Linux app support as Chromebooks

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 6, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Googlebooks, the new line of Chrome‑based laptops, lack the app flexibility of traditional Chromebooks. Only “compliant” Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) can be installed, preventing users from adding non‑compliant services such as Slack, which ChromeOS permits via manual installation. Google confirmed Slack’s PWA is blocked on Googlebooks and said a manual‑install option will arrive later. Linux support also regresses: while Chromebooks have offered full‑desktop Linux apps since 2018, Googlebooks expose only a Debian terminal. The device can run Linux command‑line tools and, technically, GUI apps, but they appear in a single terminal window and are not listed in the app drawer. Documentation is sparse, and early testers report reliability problems with apps like GIMP, making the platform less attractive for everyday productivity.

💡 Why It Matters

· By restricting non‑compliant PWAs and limiting Linux GUI integration, Googlebooks undermine the cross‑platform promise that drew developers and power users to ChromeOS, forcing them to stick with Chromebooks for a seamless workflow.

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Reebok Reveals Avatar: The Last Airbender Collection With 4 New Sneaker Designs

Reebok unveiled a four‑piece sneaker line inspired by the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, featuring reimagined Instapump Fury, Club C 85, Classic Nylon, and Engine A 26 models. Each colorway reflects a character or elemental theme—Appa, Four Nations, Aang, and Avatar State—using subdued palettes and subtle design cues like the airbending arrow. The collection, priced between $110 and $220, will ship online on October 7 and debuted at NYCC, where the next Avatar series also premiered.

💡 The collaboration taps a devoted fan base, merging pop culture nostalgia with contemporary sneaker trends, and signals Reebok’s strategy to diversify its brand through niche, limited‑edition releases.

9to5mac.com · Oct 6

Apple’s MacBook Pro overhaul is coming soon, here’s what to expect

Apple announced a major MacBook Pro refresh slated for later this year, featuring its first OLED display and a new hole‑punch camera cutout that will host a Dynamic Island interface. The update will also introduce a touchscreen, prompting macOS to adapt with dynamic touch controls. Despite expectations, the laptops will use existing M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, while the next‑generation M7 chips focus on AI. Apple plans to launch the lineup in October or November, potentially branding it as MacBook Ultra.

💡 The OLED screen and touch integration signal a shift toward richer, more interactive Mac experiences, redefining how users engage with macOS. The decision to retain M5 chips while advancing AI‑centric M7 hardware underscores Apple’s strategic balance between performance and innovation.

androidcentral.com · Oct 6

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 FE is a decent phone, but it makes too…

Samsung released the Galaxy S26 FE, a 6.7‑inch mid‑range phone priced at $699.99 for 128 GB and $799.99 for 256 GB. It shares many flagship features, including a 120‑Hz AMOLED display, 8 GB RAM, and a 50‑MP main camera, but cuts costs by keeping 128 GB storage, using a lower‑resolution screen, and a single 45‑W wired charger. The model sits between the flagship S26 and the cheaper S26 Plus, offering a larger display at a lower price.

💡 The S26 FE’s pricing strategy highlights Samsung’s attempt to bridge the gap between flagship and mid‑range markets, offering a large screen without the flagship price tag. This move could pressure competitors to rethink their mid‑tier offerings.

eurogamer.net · Oct 6

Someone’s modded Diablo 2 for VR, and seeing the world through your…

A modder known as “Sergious” (Reddit user Fantastic‑Author2736) has released a fan‑made virtual‑reality conversion of Diablo II. Using the FlatVR framework and optional BodyWalk tools, the mod places the player in first‑person as the Sorceress, displaying health, mana and skill bars on a virtual forearm and letting the inventory appear on a belt and the map in the hand. Gameplay footage posted to Reddit and YouTube shows the classic isometric world rendered from the character’s eyes, with fireballs, zombies and other enemies reacting in real time. All files are hosted on GitHub for public download. The project arrives as Valve’s new Steam Frame headset launches, offering a wireless platform that can run both native VR titles and modified legacy games like this one today.

💡 First‑person Diablo II demonstrates how community‑driven mods can breathe immersive life into aging franchises, paving the way for similar retro‑to‑VR transformations.

appleinsider.com · Oct 6

There’s a new and good-looking iPod clone coming in 2027

A startup called Sudo is set to launch a $250 iPod‑style music player in 2027, offering SD card storage, USB‑C connectivity, and a classic click‑wheel interface. The device, marketed as a “clone” of Apple’s iconic iPod, will not support mainstream streaming services, focusing instead on local file playback. Prospective buyers must place a $50 pre‑order deposit, though the company warns that legal and supply‑chain issues could affect delivery. Sudo’s origins trace back to the design firm New Matter, which dissolved in 2018 after an unsuccessful venture into 3‑D printing. The product’s website lists the specifications and deposit details, but no further corporate information is provided, leaving the venture’s long‑term viability uncertain.

💡 It revives a niche market for dedicated, offline music players, challenging the dominance of streaming‑centric devices.

analyticsinsight.net · Oct 6

12 Great Tech Finds at Walmart that Don’t Need a Promo Code

Walmart’s current tech lineup showcases twelve discounted items that require no promo code, spanning audio, computers, tablets, smart‑home gear, gaming accessories and chargers. Apple’s AirPods 4 lead the list at $99, down from $129.99, featuring the H2 chip, active noise cancellation and a USB‑C case with up to 30 hours of playback. JBL’s Tune 520BT earbuds are priced at $35, offering Pure Bass sound, Bluetooth 5.3 and 57 hours of battery life. The MacBook Neo debuts at $699, providing a 13‑inch Liquid Retina display, an A18 Pro chip and 16 hours of use, positioning it as a budget‑friendly entry for students. Other highlights include a $179.99 Hisense 440‑watt Dolby Atmos soundbar, a $220 Acer Chromebook 315, a $269 Galaxy Tab A11+, and a $49.98 ONN 4K Plus streaming device, with prices ranging from $19.88 for a smart indoor camera to $699 for the laptop.

💡 Shoppers can access premium‑brand tech at near‑clearance prices, expanding affordable options for students and budget‑conscious consumers.