Google’s Android 16 Beta Brings Desktop Windowing to Secondary Displays: A Step Closer to a Phone-Powered Laptop?

Posted on by Techpad AI

Google’s Desktop Mode for Android: A Game-Changer or a Confusing Move?

In a move that’s been long anticipated, Google is finally bringing a desktop mode experience to Android. With the latest Android 16 beta, users can now enable “desktop windowing on secondary displays,” allowing them to run Android apps on a larger screen with a desktop-like interface. But is this a game-changer for Android, or is it a confusing move that’s more focused on Samsung’s DeX-like experience?

A Brief History of Android’s Desktop Mode

For years, Samsung has offered the ability to power a desktop OS experience on their phones and tablets when connected to an external display. Google, on the other hand, has been working on a similar experience for Android. With Android 14 QPR3, they introduced DisplayPort mirroring for the Pixel 8 and later, allowing users to mirror their phone screen on supported displays or project content. In Android 15 QPR1, they introduced desktop windowing for the Pixel Tablet in developer preview.

The New Desktop Mode Experience

With the latest Android 16 beta, Google has brought these two experiences together, allowing users to run Android apps on a larger screen with a desktop-like interface. The new desktop mode features a taskbar with pinned and recent apps, launcher access, and 3-button navigation. Users can also drag down to access dual-column Quick Settings and notifications, just like on today’s tablets and foldables.

Apps open in windows that can be resized, moved around, and placed side-by-side, with physical keyboard and trackpad controls. The best part? Users can continue to use their phone when desktop windowing is active.

The Bigger Picture: Google’s Approach to Desktop Computing

So, what’s the bigger picture here? Is Google trying to create a seamless desktop experience for Android users, or is this just a way to offer a DeX-like experience for Samsung? The truth is, Google’s approach to desktop computing is still unclear. They’re working to integrate more Android under-the-hood into ChromeOS, while also adding desktop features to Android that could open the door to proper laptops (or convertibles) running a desktop version of Android.

The Future of Android Desktop Mode

So, what’s next for Android desktop mode? Will we see a dedicated laptop shell with everything except the SoC, as some have suggested? Or will we see a more seamless experience with wireless connectivity between the phone and display? Only time will tell.

Actionable Insights

  • If you’re an Android developer, you can now enable the “desktop windowing on secondary displays” developer option with the latest Android 16 beta.
  • If you’re an Android user, keep an eye out for future updates that may bring this feature to your device.
  • If you’re a fan of Samsung’s DeX-like experience, you may be disappointed to learn that Google’s approach is more focused on creating a seamless desktop experience for Android users.

Conclusion

Google’s desktop mode for Android is an exciting development, but it’s unclear what the future holds. Will we see a dedicated laptop shell with everything except the SoC, or will we see a more seamless experience with wireless connectivity between the phone and display? One thing is for sure, though – Android users will have more options than ever before when it comes to using their devices on a larger screen.

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