Back in April, evidence surfaced online revealing that Google was working on improving Android’s desktop mode. Early demos show that it will be easier to use than before by having movable windows, though it’s still missing vital features. Since then, we haven’t heard much about the project until recently, when it reappeared in the “latest Android 15 Beta 4.1 build.”
Android expert Mishaal Rahman discovered that this Android feature could work on a tablet, provided it has a large enough screen. In the build, he claims that if you go to the device's “Recents” view and open an app's drop-down menu, you'll see a new button called “Desktop.”
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When you press this button, the app you were using turns into a floating window. From here, it behaves similarly to a browser in Samsung's New DeX system. The app can be minimized, maximized, docked to the side, or connected to another window. At the bottom is a taskbar with all currently open software.
Rahman's demo video shows that it's possible to have multiple windows on the home screen at once. It has Chrome, Gmail, and the Calculator app. While those are basic features that many other operating systems already have, it's important to highlight them as they indicate that the mode has come a long way, considering that previous versions were pretty basic.
Side by side experiences
We found it interesting that desktop mode on Android could coexist with the traditional tablet experience. Imagine having the desktop layout on one case and the traditional tablet layout on the other. You'll be able to switch between the two options at any time.
Having two different environments side-by-side could give Google's software a unique advantage, as it won't need to commit to one or the other. This will allow Android's desktop mode to stand out from Samsung's New DeX on Galaxy tablets.
Samsung's version offers a similar experience, with a taskbar, app drawer and home screen icons, but it takes ownership of the device it's on. Google's software has the potential to be more flexible, though that remains to be seen.
Possible launch window
Looking deeper into the topic, it seems that Android's desktop mode won't be seeing the light of day anytime soon. The feature is still in development, and while it did appear in Android 15, we doubt it will be released in the next three months.
Mishaal Rahman notes that rumors about a Pixel Tablet 2 have been circulating for some time now. Perhaps Android desktop mode could arrive alongside the device's launch. Admittedly, this is just speculation, so take it with a grain of salt, just like this leak. At the very least, take solace in the fact that development is still ongoing.
Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best tablets for 2024.
