Android app support on Googlebooks is broader than previously detailed, with Google explaining how Intel-powered models handle apps designed for Arm processors. While Snapdragon-powered Googlebooks offer stronger Android app compatibility, most popular apps also work on models.
According to an Android Authority report, Intel-powered Googlebooks use a binary translation layer to run Android apps built for Arm processors. Rather than relying on older 32-bit x86 emulation, the system translates modern 64-bit Arm code into a format that Intel processors can run.
Google reportedly says this approach allows demanding Android apps to run smoothly and respond almost like they would on devices powered by Arm chips.
Google had earlier said that most Android apps work on Googlebooks regardless of the processor, although some may require changes from developers to run correctly on Intel models. The company has now provided a clearer figure, saying 96.6% of more than 10,000 of the most-used Android apps work on Intel-powered models and are available through the Play Store.
A small group of apps still does not work on the laptops. However, their compatibility issues are not necessarily linked to the Intel processor. Many of the remaining apps have problems with large-screen devices in general. Some also require hardware such as a gyroscope, which Googlebooks do not have.
Googlebooks are available with either Snapdragon chips based on Arm architecture or Intel processors using x86 architecture. Google has previously said Snapdragon-powered models provide better Android app support, while Intel-powered versions can still run most popular Android apps.
The company has used similar technology before. ChromeOS previously relied on a translation layer called libhoudini to help x86-based devices run Android apps. Google has not yet confirmed whether the new Intel-powered Googlebooks use the same technology.
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