This new desktop mode doesn't just mirror the phone's screen. It launches a truly independent session, with a taskbar at the bottom, a notification center at the top, and the ability to open apps in resizable windows. Like on a PC, it's even possible to dock windows to the edges of the screen to better organize your workspace.
A full Android desktop on an external display
Better yet, the phone's screen remains active and can be used for other tasks. Google has paid attention to the details: it's possible to move the mouse cursor from one screen to another, transfer files via drag and drop, and even customize the size of text and interface elements independently on each screen.
Behind this new mode lies a long-term effort by Google to make Android more relevant on large screens, a goal shared with Samsung. This feature is also based on building blocks already present in DeX (a Samsung technology), while bringing improvements specific to Android 16.
The update notably introduces the management of several virtual desktops, each of which can be customized according to needs (work, leisure, etc.), with keyboard shortcuts and trackpad gestures to easily navigate between them. Android can also retain the arrangement of windows between sessions for a stable working environment.
For developers, this implies a new approach. Google encourages them to adapt their applications to different window sizes, to take into account external devices (mice, keyboards, webcams, etc.) and to offer keyboard shortcuts or better multitasking management.
Apps locked in portrait mode can now stretch onto an external display. If the app allows it, it can even be resized freely. The system takes care to preserve the aspect ratio in the most complex cases (like camera previews).
However, keep in mind that this is an early beta version, accessible only through the developer options. Some elements still need to be refined, and stability may pose issues. However, Google should integrate this mode into future stable versions of Android 16. All that's missing is an external monitor, a keyboard, and a trackpad, and you can ditch the old PC!
0 Comments