Googlebooks can't catch a break: Some models don't have HDR support, but Google is on it

Googlebooks have had a somewhat rocky launch, owing to device pairing issues and other problems. However, some users have now reported that their new laptops don’t support HDR video playback.

A few Reddit users have confirmed that none of the videos they watched on their Googlebooks had HDR support. One user specifically noted that they weren’t seeing HDR badges on YouTube videos.

The affected users had the HP Googlebook 14 and the Dell XPS Googlebook. However, I can confirm that my ASUS Googlebook 14 indeed supports HDR videos on YouTube, complete with a badge on the gear icon. Check out our screenshot below.

Thankfully, Google employee Mishaal Rahman has confirmed in the thread that it’s working to bring HDR support to all models:

Hi there, just following up on this:

HDR support, including in YouTube and Netflix, is available on certain Googlebook models today. We are working with our partners to expand HDR support to all available Googlebook models.

It’s curious that these devices didn’t actually launch with HDR support if the hardware supported it in the first place. Nevertheless, Google’s confirmation of expanded HDR support is good news for Dell and HP Googlebook owners. Our fingers are crossed for a speedy rollout.

This news also comes after several significant Googlebook hiccups at launch. These issues include no support for multiple profiles in Chrome, cross-device pairing problems, and Linux integration that’s a step below the Chrome OS implementation.