Do you know that Android OS has had a desktop mode much 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 realizing it existed within the first place. It was primarily meant for builders to make use of as a testing floor for his or her apps. It was as barebones as a system will be. Nevertheless, current proof suggests Google is increasing the function to be extra pleasant for the on a regular basis consumer.
Information web site 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 advanced.” Because it seems, it’s superior fairly a bit since 2019.
Their demo video exhibits 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 brand within the middle.
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 much like Home 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 “incorporates the app’s title, icon, and three buttons to change between full-screen, split-screen, and freeform mode. That final choice allows you to drag the window round. Whereas the app is in freeform, apps achieve a URL bar, a dropdown menu for altering the viewing mode, plus maximize and shut buttons.
Primary, but essential
This will likely look like fundamental functionalities that every one net browsers include. Nicely, that’s as a result of they’re. Earlier after we mentioned 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 function. We may see the place Android smartphones can flip into succesful computer systems which might be extra transportable than laptops. Technically, they already are, however they’re lacking the required help.
There’s nonetheless lots of work to be executed, because the publication factors out. Most apps, for example, “don’t help drag-and-drop”. Just a few 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 may see the function arrive on Android 15 which is scheduled to come back out someplace between August and October.
Take this info with a grain of salt. In any case, Google may out of the blue change its thoughts and kill the mission. One thing comparable occurred just lately with the WSA (Home windows Subsystem for Android) app on Home windows 11. It provides customers a solution to run Android software program natively on the Home windows working system, nonetheless, beginning on March 5, 2025, help goes minimize off.
Whereas we’ve got you, make sure you take a look at TechRadar’s roundup of the most effective Android telephones for 2024.