Googlebook OS Runs on Apple Macs!

Googlebook OS, Google's AI-first operating system, has been ported to run on Apple Silicon Macs. A developer project named gbos-vm enables the operating system to function within a virtual machine on devices like Macs and MacBooks, leveraging their comparable Arm silicon architecture.

While currently in early development, the gbos-vm project allows Googlebook OS to boot in a GPU-accelerated virtual machine on Macs. Users may encounter issues such as frequent Bluetooth crashes, a 60Hz display limit, and TPM service failures. However, core functionalities like the Chrome browser are operational, and the GPU acceleration suggests potential for light gaming.

Installation involves downloading the Dell XPS Googlebook recovery image, modifying its hardware-specific partition using components from Google's Cuttlefish project, and launching the OS via QEMU. This process requires a Mac with Apple Silicon, a minimum of 16GB RAM, and 60GB free storage. While not initially designed for Intel Macs, efforts are underway to explore x86 integration. Developers have already demonstrated success on various M-series chips, indicating broader compatibility beyond the latest models.

The developer cautions that due to TPM module issues, the installation is not secure and is intended for experimentation. For standard use, Googlebook laptops are now compatible with Samsung phones.