One area on PCs that has remained almost entirely unchanged since its inception is the humble cursor.
Arguably one of the most necessary features for controlling a PC, the cursor’s main functions are to navigate between websites and apps, access menus for more settings and can be an important gaming control too.
While it hasn’t seen many upgrades over the years, Google has decided now’s the time to change this and has introduced Magic Pointer. But what actually is Magic Pointer and how does it change the traditional cursor experience?
We explain everything we know about Magic Pointer below, including what it is, how it works and where you can find the feature once it launches later this year.
For more on Google’s recent announcement, visit our Googlebook vs Chromebook or Googlebook vs Windows 11 comparison. Otherwise, visit our best laptops round-up, while the best wireless mouse guide lists our favourite peripherals that should pair nicely with a shiny new Googlebook.
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What is Magic Pointer?
Magic Pointer can be found built into the cursor of Googlebooks, which are Google’s new series of laptops that are launching later this year. The feature was built with the Google Deepmind team, the group behind the likes of Gemini and Nano Banana, and promises to bring AI helpfulness to your fingertips.
Essentially, when you point your cursor over something on your Googlebook, Magic Pointer will kick into action and offer contextual suggestions based on what you’re hovering over. For example, you can hover your mouse over a date in an email and Gemini can set up a meeting accordingly. Another example, provided by Google, is that you can select multiple images and instantly visualise them together.
Magic Pointer. Image Credit (Google)
How does Magic Pointer work?
Magic Pointer is powered by Gemini, which means it uses AI to identify what’s on its screen and provide relevant suggestions. Google explains that you’ll just need to “wiggle your cursor” to watch it “come alive” with Gemini – so you don’t need to worry about being bombarded constantly with AI-powered suggestions.
What devices will support Magic Pointer?
Magic Pointer will be found within the upcoming Googlebooks line-up, which is expected to launch in Fall 2026. While we know that the likes of Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo will be the first to launch their iterations of Googlebook, we don’t currently have any more detail on individual models and specs.
Opinion
As we haven’t used a Googlebook and experienced Magic Pointer first hand yet, it’s difficult to determine how useful the feature really will be. I think it could come in handy when you want to search for something on-screen, and act almost like Circle to Search. However, beyond that I’m not sure how likely it is to assume users will rely on Magic Pointer for scheduling meetings and the like.
We’ll have to wait until we get our hands on a Googlebook to see how handy Magic Pointer really is.
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