Forward-looking: Google launched Android “desktop mode” in 2019 with Android 10. However, it was virtually solely designed for developers. More not too long ago, the firm has improved the characteristic with extra controls, which might imply a extra user-friendly desktop mode is coming for common customers.
Android 15 might embrace a considerably usable desktop mode to make the OS a extra competent productiveness platform. Google shifted its focus to enhancing its desktop mode in 2022, and a current replace to Android 14 is already exhibiting some promising outcomes.
Google initially designed Android’s barebone desktop mode to offer app developers with an superior testing setting to examine how apps would behave in multi-display situations. It had no intentions of creating the mode accessible to the public, because it lacked a few of the most simple options that desktop customers have come to anticipate.
Android Authority experiences that the most up-to-date Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 replace features a extra refined desktop expertise. The desktop mode continues to be hidden behind a number of flags, which suggests Google would not need customers to attempt it but. However, the characteristic reveals an improved window administration system in comparison with what Android was able to earlier than.
Users can now freely resize and transfer app home windows, making the mode extra like a standard desktop setting. The expertise is just barely hampered by the OS briefly hiding the window’s content material whereas resizing. (*15*) can be dragged to both fringe of the display screen, providing an extra choice to rearrange apps on the display screen, just like the Snap characteristic in Microsoft (*15*). Full-screen Android apps now permit opening the window in full-screen, split-screen, or freeform mode.
An improved desktop mode might entice folks thinking about utilizing their cellphone as a short lived PC whereas on the go. However, it is nonetheless unclear how Google will market the characteristic or whether or not it’s going to assist exterior peripherals similar to a mouse and keyboard.
Android’s desktop mode nonetheless wants extra growth time. There are not any correct “launchers” or keyboard shortcuts for window administration, and few apps assist the drag-and-drop choice. For it to succeed, Google should encourage developers to implement assist for desktop mode. Presumably, it’s going to launch API to help them in the effort. Otherwise, Android’s native desktop mode cannot compete with third-party productiveness environments like Samsung Dex or Motorola Ready For.