Google is making strides in developing a desktop mode for Android, positioning it as a competitor to Samsung DeX. Recently, a setting for this desktop mode was uncovered in the developer options of Android 16 Beta 3.
Initially non-functional, the feature has now been enabled, showcasing a more advanced interface. This new interface includes a taskbar, a full-screen app drawer, and support for floating, resizable app windows.
While these developments show promise, the desktop mode remains under construction and is not anticipated to be widely released soon. It may either be introduced as a developer option in a future quarterly update or have a more complete rollout with Android 17.
Google began to take its desktop mode initiative more seriously in spring 2024, following the rollout of Display Port support in a Feature Drop. New updates in March included enhancements to the previously inactive desktop experience, which allowed for the introduction of a novel setting, “Enable desktop experience features,” hidden within the developer options of Android 16 Beta 3.
Despite being initially non-functional, the desktop mode has made tangible progress, as highlighted by Android expert Mishaal Rahman. The new interface appears to be significantly more refined compared to the traditional interface used when connecting a Pixel device to an external display.
The addition of a taskbar allows users to access pinned and recent applications easily, while the status bar provides quick access to important information like the time and notifications. The desktop mode’s app drawer utilizes the entire screen while offering universal search capabilities across applications, web content, settings, and more.
Similar to conventional desktop operating systems, Android’s desktop mode will facilitate multitasking with multiple open apps, enabling users to seamlessly drag and drop content between windows. However, the launch date remains uncertain, with expectations leaning towards either Android 16 or the potentially more polished Android 17 release.
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