While Googlebook features integration with Android smartphones as one of its key highlights, using "Cross-device services" requires a smartphone running Android 17 or later.
Integration Features Requiring Android 17 or Later
According to the Googlebook Help page, Cross-device services features are broadly divided into two categories: "Continue your activity" and "Instant Tethering."
First, the features included under "Continue your activity" are as follows:
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Notification sync
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Do Not Disturb sync
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Files and media (Access smartphone files from Googlebook)
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Tasks (Resume activities started on your smartphone on your Googlebook)
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Apps (Use smartphone apps directly from Googlebook)
"Instant Tethering" includes automatic Wi-Fi sharing and instant hotspot connections.
The requirement of Android 17 or later is stated as a prerequisite for Cross-device services overall, and the same requirement is explicitly mentioned on individual help pages for Tasks and Apps.
Requirements Other Than Android 17
Beyond having a smartphone running Android 17 or later, the additional requirements are as follows:
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The Googlebook is running the latest version of Googlebook OS
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Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on on both the Googlebook and the smartphone
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Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or a personal hotspot
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Both devices are signed in to the same Google Account
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Google Play Store apps are updated to their latest versions on both devices
Because the network must support multicast DNS, it may not function properly on public Wi-Fi or enterprise networks.
Rollout Status of Android 17 Smartphones
Google's Pixel smartphones typically receive the latest Android updates first, making them easy choices to meet these requirements. However, rollout schedules vary significantly among other manufacturers.
For instance, Samsung includes One UI 9 based on Android 17 on the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8, and is expanding the rollout to the Galaxy S26 series alongside last year's flagships. However, it has not yet reached older flagships or mid-range devices. Other OEMs like Xiaomi and Motorola also have a limited lineup updated to Android 17.
Even with major manufacturers, if you use a mid-range phone or a model from a few years ago, there is a high likelihood that cross-device integration features will not be available even if you purchase a Googlebook.
App Streaming Limitations
Even on smartphones running Android 17, not all apps can be streamed or displayed on a Googlebook. According to the Apps Help page, certain apps displaying sensitive information and apps playing copyright-protected content are unsupported.
Additionally, there is a limit on the number of smartphone apps you can open simultaneously on a Googlebook. If you open that app directly on your smartphone, the instance on the Googlebook will automatically close.