Do you know that Android OS has had a desktop mode just like Samsung Dex for the previous 5 years or so? It’s true. The mode first got here out again in 2019 on Android 10. It allowed you to attach your smartphone to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard setup turning it right into a mini-desktop. Nobody can blame you for not figuring out it existed within the first place. It was primarily meant for builders to make use of as a testing ground for his or her apps. It was as barebones as a system will be. Nonetheless, current proof suggests Google is increasing the characteristic to be extra pleasant for the on a regular basis consumer.
Information website Android Authority dove into the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 replace and with some technical know-how, activated desktop mode “to see how the… system has developed.” Because it seems, it’s superior fairly a bit since 2019.
Their demo video reveals home windows can now be dragged round and resized on the display. Resizing causes the web page to go clean save for the app’s emblem within the heart.
Transferring a window over to both aspect causes it to snap into place. They then opened one other app, clicking into place on the opposite aspect letting them have two pages side-by-side just like Windows 11. Grabbing a full-screened web page by dragging the highest deal with causes it to shrink, letting customers make fast changes.
On the prime of each full-screen is a small menu. Android Authority states it “accommodates the app’s title, icon, and three buttons to modify between full-screen, split-screen, and freeform mode. That final possibility helps you to drag the window round. Whereas the app is in freeform, apps acquire a URL bar, a dropdown menu for altering the viewing mode, plus maximize and shut buttons.
Primary, but necessary
This may increasingly seem to be fundamental functionalities that each one net browsers include. Properly, that’s as a result of they’re. Earlier once we stated desktop mode is as barebones as a system will be, we meant it. The factor to bear in mind is that this replace signifies a continued effort to enhance this characteristic. We might see the place Android smartphones can flip into succesful computer systems which are extra transportable than laptops. Technically, they already are, however they’re lacking the mandatory help.
There’s nonetheless quite a lot of work to be executed, because the publication factors out. Most apps, as an illustration, “don’t help drag-and-drop”. A couple of keyboard shortcuts are apparently current, however the report doesn’t go into element.
No phrase on when the revamped mode will launch. Contemplating it’s a part of a late beta, we might see the characteristic arrive on Android 15 which is scheduled to come back out someplace between August and October.
Take this data with a grain of salt. In any case, Google might abruptly change its thoughts and kill the challenge. One thing related occurred just lately with the WSA (Home windows Subsystem for Android) app on Windows 11. It offers customers a strategy to run Android software program natively on the Home windows operating system, nonetheless, beginning on March 5, 2025, support is going cut off.
Whereas we now have you, make sure to take a look at TechRadar’s roundup of the best Android phones for 2024.
