Subj : Report: Android's desktop mode might allow future tablets to doub
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Fri Aug 09 2024 04:45:05

Report: Android's desktop mode might allow future tablets to double as 
computers

Date:
Fri, 09 Aug 2024 03:30:24 +0000

Description:
Google continues to improve Android's desktop mode as recent builds mirror 
behaviors seen on Samsung's New DeX.

FULL STORY
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 Back in April , evidence surfaced online revealing that Google was working 
on improving Android's desktop mode. Early demos show itll be more 
user-friendly than before by having movable windows, although it still lacks 
vital features. Since then, we havent heard much about the project until 
recently, when it popped up again in the latest Android 15 Beta 4.1 release. 

Android expert Mishaal Rahman discovered that Androids feature may work on a 
tablet  provided it has a big enough display. In the build, he states that if 
you go to the devices 'Recents' view and open the dropdown menu for an app, 
you will see a new button called Desktop. 

Tapping said button causes whatever app you were on to turn into a 
free-floating window. From here on, it behaves similarly to a browser on 
Samsung's New DeX system. The app can be minimized, maximized, attached to 
the side, or connected to another window. Down at the bottom is a taskbar 
with all currently open software. 

Rahmans demo video shows you can have multiple windows on the home screen at 
once. He has Chrome , Gmail, and the Calculator app. While those are basic 
functions many other operating systems already have, it is important to 
highlight them as they indicate that the mode has come a long way, 
considering that earlier versions were pretty barebones. Side-by-side 
experiences 

We found it interesting that the desktop mode on Android might be able to 
coexist with the traditional tablet experience. Imagine having the desktop 
layout in one instance and the traditional tablet layout in another. Youll be 
able to hop between the two options at any time. 

Having two different environments side-by-side could give Google's software a 
unique edge as you wont need to commit to one or the other. It will allow 
Androids desktop mode to stand out from Samsung's New DeX on Galaxy tablets. 

Samsungs version offers a similar experience, complete with a taskbar, an app 
drawer, and home screen icons, but it takes over the device its on. Googles 
software has the potential to be more flexible, although this remains to be 
seen. Possible launch window 

Looking at the deep dive, it seems Androids desktop mode is not seeing 
daylight anytime soon. The feature is still a work in progress, and while it 
appeared on Android 15 , we doubt it'll launch within the next three months. 

Mishaal Rahman points out that rumors of a Pixel Tablet 2 have been 
circulating for some time now. Perhaps Android's desktop mode might arrive 
alongside the device's rollout. Admittedly, that is just speculation, so take 
it and this leak with a grain of salt. At least, take solace in the fact 
thatdevelopment is still ongoing. 

Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best tablets for 2024 . You 
might also like How to watch the Google Pixel 9 launch event live Latest 
Android 15 beta teases a tiny taskbar and less annoying notifications The 
Pixel 9's new weather app is like Dark Sky for Android  and you can try it 
right now



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/report-androids-desktop-mode-migh
t-allow-future-tablets-to-double-as-computers


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