The Googlebooks include a file transfer trick you probably didn't know about

The recently announced lineup of Googlebooks is here, with pre-order shipments beginning yesterday. Like most new releases, the software still has aspects that are new to us. We learned about some of the Googlebook’s limitations earlier today, and now we’re getting new info on some software features that may have flown under the radar.

After poring over a reviewer’s guide Google prepared for the launch of the new laptop line, we’re learning about Quick Access. This feature lets you seamlessly control files between your paired Android phone and the Googlebook. “Browse, open, and transfer files between your phone and your Googlebook as easily as a local drive,” the document says.

To enable Quick Access, users simply need to open the Files app on their new Googlebook, and find their paired Android phone in the left sidebar, letting them instantly browse through the Downloads, Documents, and Camera folders on their phone.

Quick Access also supports drag-and-drop for files between the two devices, but it only allows files under 200MB. Google recommends using Quick Share for files larger than 200MB. Another handy attribute of this cross-device functionality is its ability to quickly attach files from your paired phone while drafting emails from the Googlebook.

Unfortunately, this feature, along with the rest of the cross-device functions, will require a device running Android 17, as we learned earlier.

Files AI in Googlebooks will summarize your folder names

The same reviewer’s guide also highlights Files AI for Googlebooks, which can describe what’s in a particular file. Googlebook owners just need to turn on “Boost your productivity with AI” in the Files app and switch to list view to get started.

This adds a new Description field next to the file name that tells you what’s in the file in a few words. For instance, if your file is a payslip from last month, the description would say “Payslip for September 2026.” Similarly, an image from a recent birthday party or a vacation will be described as such in three to four words.

Files AI will also overhaul your file searching experience. Google says simply searching for an image’s subject will show the exact image you’re looking for. While conventional search primarily looks for file name matches in images, Files AI will locate exactly what you’re searching for, like a picture of a cat, for instance, even if it’s not mentioned in the file name.

It isn’t without its limitations, though, with Google saying that Files AI can take up to an hour to appear once enabled. Additionally, it seemingly won’t work when your Googlebook’s battery is low, though the company didn’t specify exactly what it classifies as “low battery” for this purpose.

These features are certainly exciting for prospective Googlebooks owners. However, the fact that cross-device functions require a phone running Android 17 (or newer software) could invite criticism, and justifiably so.