Google Removes Find Hub App From Googlebooks

The company cited technical limitations regarding laptop tracking when devices are closed as the reason for the decision.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration showing a closed laptop on a desk, representing the removal of location-tracking software. — Google has removed the Find Hub app from first-generation Googlebooks, citing the inability of the software to track closed laptops. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Google has officially removed the Find Hub app from its first-generation Googlebooks. The company adjusted Play Store server settings to prevent the application from being preloaded or downloaded on these devices.

Why it matters

Google determined that mobile app ports fail to provide the necessary tracking performance required for laptops, which often remain in deep sleep or disconnected from Wi-Fi while closed.

Google confirmed the removal of the app after assessing the tracking performance on devices that can cost as much as $1,000. For reference, users currently pay $2 per month for a Chrome Unboxed Plus membership.

The players

Google

Google is a global technology company that develops the Googlebook hardware and the underlying operating system software.

The details

Although Google blocked new installations and preloading via server-side settings, early adopters who already have the app installed on their devices may still see it. However, the existing software is unable to connect to the tracking network to provide location data.

October 20, 2026: The removal of the Find Hub app was confirmed.

Market Landscape

This move highlights a broader shift as manufacturers move away from mobile-first software ports toward native firmware solutions for the Find Hub tracking network. It positions Google to better compete by prioritizing optimized hardware-software integration over generic mobile app availability.

If you are an early adopter who already has the Find Hub app installed on your first-generation Googlebook, note that it will no longer function as a tracking tool. Users should wait for the upcoming firmware-integrated system to regain reliable location-tracking capabilities for their devices.

The takeaway

Reliable hardware tracking requires more than just porting mobile software to a desktop operating system. Users are advised to discontinue reliance on mobile-style tracking apps on laptops until manufacturer-sanctioned firmware updates are released.