- Google is preparing a native desktop mode for Android that mimics the experience of a computer.
- It will allow advanced multitasking, resizable windows and taskbar
- Its final release could come with Android 17 starting in 2025.
- It will compete with solutions like Samsung DeX, but will be accessible to more devices.
The evolution of Android continues to take steps towards convergence between mobile and computerSmartphones have long since ceased to be simple devices for calling or sending messages, and with each update, Google's operating system moves closer to offering an experience similar to that of a full-fledged computer. Now, Google is working on a feature that will allow many users to truly turn their Android into a kind of portable PC connecting it to an external display.
This new Android desktop mode It hasn't made its official debut yet, but leaks and beta tests show that the company is finalizing an interface designed to make the most of large screens. Until now, the most similar experience was offered by manufacturers such as Samsung with DeX or Motorola with Ready For, but will soon be available natively for a wide variety of mobile devices.
This is what Android's native desktop mode will look like.
The fundamental thing about this The new feature is that the Android interface is radically transformed when you connect your phone to an external monitor.The idea is to replicate the home screen with typical computer elements: we find a taskbar at the bottom, app shortcuts, the menu for all apps, and you can even open multiple app windows and arrange them as you see fit, adapting their size and position.
Multitasking will be the big draw This way, the desktop will allow you to have applications open in floating windows, organize them to our liking and work similarly to how you would on a laptop. Users will be able to drag and drop files, copy data between apps, and take advantage of keyboard and mouse support, something that until now was only available in solutions from specific manufacturers.
Main features of the new desktop mode
- Permanent taskbar: to quickly launch apps and access the most used or recent ones.
- Resizable windows: Applications open in windows that can be moved and resized, just like in Windows.
- Working with multiple applications at once: multiple apps can be used simultaneously on the same screen.
- Adapted notification panel: Swiping down from the top displays an optimized menu in the style of tablets or foldable phones.
- Design with transparency and updated Material Design: The aesthetics will be more modern and visually appealing.
It is also important to note that the mobile will continue to function normally while in desktop mode, so you can receive notifications, calls, and continue using normal phone functions even with the mode active on the external display.
When will this mode arrive on mobile phones?
At the moment, Desktop mode can be activated experimentally in the Android 16 beta., although it's hidden among the developer options and only some phones, such as the newest Google Pixels, allow its use. Everything indicates that Google will delay the public release until the arrival of Android 17, scheduled for next year. This way, most users will be able to take advantage of it in 2025 without resorting to tricks or external tools.
This function is intended to compete with alternatives such as Samsung DeX or Xiaomi's PC Mode, but with the advantage of being integrated into the system and available for all devices that receive future versions of Android. Google's goal is to facilitate professional and productivity use, allowing many people to leave their laptops at home if they simply connect their phone to a screen and work from there.
For now, tests show that the interface still needs polishing and that some advanced options are missing, but promising details can already be seen such as the Drag and drop files between apps, taskbar customization, and advanced window management. In addition, it will allow you to use the mouse and keyboard natively, and leverage your phone as a notification and control center.
The development of Android desktop mode represents a significant advancement for those looking to get the most out of their mobile device and change the way they use it outside the home, especially for tasks that require multitasking or for those who prefer to travel light without carrying a laptop.
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