HP Googlebook: First 20 Things to Do

Quick summary: The HP Googlebook is a really nice laptop. Here’s everything I’d do first, from updates and AI-created widgets to multitasking, touchpad tweaks, Magic Pointer and keyboard shortcuts.

Key takeaways

• Update apps and the system first. My create-a-widget feature didn’t work until I updated.
• You can create your own widgets just by describing them.
• Magic Pointer (Google key + G): wiggle the cursor over something and ask Gemini about it.
• You can switch to on-screen navigation buttons if you don’t like gestures.
• Some phone features didn’t work with my Samsung phone at the time, even on Android 17.

1–2. Update apps and the system

Open the Google Play Store and update your apps. One of my updates was what unlocked creating widgets. Then go to Settings (gear) > System > Software updates and install any system update. That adds features and fixes bugs.

3–4. Add and create widgets

Tap with two fingers or long-press the home screen and browse widgets, like Spotify or Google, then hit add. To make your own, tap Create, hit continue, and describe it, down to the shape. I made one for Boston scores that refreshes, and a Pixel updates widget.

5. The microphone key

The mic button at the top right, next to volume, starts voice typing. It’s quick and very accurate. It didn’t spell my name right, but it came close.

6. Multitasking

Use the middle window button to restore or resize, and a second window opens at the same size next to it. You can resize manually and swap in other apps on either side.

7. Quick toggles

Open quick settings at the top and hit the edit button. Resize, rearrange or remove tiles (I removed mic access), and add more with the plus sign.

8. Wallpaper

Long-press or two-finger tap the home screen to choose from Google’s wallpapers or your Google Photos.

9. Touchpad settings

Under Settings > Device and accessories > Touchpad:

• Bottom-right click for right-click, if you want it. I prefer two fingers.
• Cursor speed. I sped mine up.
• Three-finger tap: middle click, launch Gemini, or go home. I chose home.

10–11. Sound and display

Turn off screen-lock and charging sounds if you don’t want them. In Display, turn on dark theme (with a schedule if you like) and set color to boosted for more vibrant colors.

12. Glow bar

I turn off the glow bar on the back to save a little battery.

13. Wi-Fi preferences

Under Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Network preferences, turn off notifications for public networks.

14. Default apps

Set your default browser, digital assistant, launcher, notes app and more under Apps.

15. Screenshots and screen recording

Use Screen capture in quick settings to grab a full or partial screenshot, or record. Find your captures in the Files app.

16. Notifications

Tap the bell to see notifications and clear them all.

17. Magic Pointer

Press the Google key + G to activate it. Then shake the cursor over anything, click, and ask Gemini what it is.

18. Navigation mode

In Settings > System, switch from gestures to on-screen back, home and recents buttons if you prefer.

19. Keyboard shortcuts

Search settings for keyboard shortcuts to view and customize them.

20. Biometrics and touchpad gestures

Under Security and privacy, add your fingerprint and face unlock. Gestures worth knowing:

• Three fingers up shows recent apps.
• Two fingers scroll, and pinch zooms.
• Three fingers down opens notifications.

Final thoughts

It’s a really fun device and worth checking out.

• HP Googlebook at HP
• HP Googlebook at Best Buy