All articles tagged with #desktop mode
Google's Android 16 QPR1 update for Pixel phones introduces a major design overhaul with Material 3 Expressive, a new desktop mode similar to Samsung DeX, Live Updates for notifications, Auracast Bluetooth sharing, and various improvements for tablets and overall user experience.
Google is enhancing Android's Desktop Mode by adding a 'pin to taskbar' feature via a shortcut in the app's context menu, allowing users to easily access their favorite apps on the taskbar. This update, currently in the Android Canary build, aims to make Android more competitive with other desktop platforms and is part of Google's broader effort to unify Chrome OS and Android. The feature's rollout to stable versions is yet to be confirmed.
Google has released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel devices, introducing new features such as a redesigned status bar, lockscreen tweaks, desktop mode support, and more vibrant media theming, along with various bug fixes and improvements.
Google has introduced a desktop mode feature in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel phones, resembling Samsung DeX, which can be enabled via Developer Options and offers a desktop-like interface when connected to an external display. While promising and mostly smooth, it still has bugs and room for improvements, such as better window management and session memory. Overall, it marks a significant step towards desktop experiences on Pixel devices, with potential for future enhancements.
Google is reportedly enhancing the desktop mode for Android 15, potentially launching it with the upcoming update. The current desktop mode lacks basic features for average users, but recent improvements show a more Windows-like behavior with draggable windows and resizing capabilities. However, it still lacks keyboard shortcuts and a robust desktop launcher. This upgrade may debut at Google I/O in May or alongside the Pixel 9 release. In the meantime, Samsung phones with DeX support or Motorola handsets with Ready For offer a stronger desktop experience than stock Android.
Google is revamping Android's desktop mode in the upcoming Android 15 update, focusing on enhancing windowing capabilities. The changes include improved window management, such as handling multiple app windows on screen, adding title bars and the ability to freely move and resize windows. While these updates make Android a better desktop computing platform, it still lags behind existing desktop operating systems in areas like keyboard shortcuts and app support. The revamped desktop mode may launch with the upcoming Pixel 9 series, but in the meantime, users can explore alternatives like Samsung Dex or Motorola Ready For for a desktop-like experience on Android phones.
Google has finally enabled display output over USB-C on the Pixel 8 series with the release of the latest Android beta, potentially paving the way for a DeX-like desktop mode. This feature, previously disabled at a hardware level on older Pixel phones, now allows users to connect their Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro to an external monitor or TV using a compatible USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to HDMI adapter and mirror the display. While Android's revamped desktop mode experience is still in development and not yet available to users, the move suggests that Google may be working towards offering a more robust desktop mode in future Android releases.
Google is optimizing its Chrome browser for Android tablets and large-screen devices by defaulting to desktop mode. This change replaces the mobile User-Agent and aims to provide a better browsing experience on devices with at least 8 GB of RAM and a 10-inch or larger display. Website developers need to consider the differences in Web Platform APIs between Desktop Chrome and Chrome on Android. Users can still manually switch to the desktop site if desired.
The Google Pixel 8 series will reportedly support DisplayPort over USB-C, a feature that was not present in previous Pixel phones. This could mean added functionality such as a desktop mode similar to Samsung's DeX, which Google has been working on within Android for a while now. The Pixel 8 would be using DisplayPort Alt Mode, which was added in Android 14. The Pixel 8 series is also rumored to have a smaller display size, brighter screens, and 120Hz for both.