Google has been working on a new desktop mode for Android phones and tablets for several years, and it looks like it might finally launch soon. This feature, called Android Desktop Mode, was initially expected to come with Android 16 but now seems more likely to debut with Android 17, possibly alongside the next generation of Pixel phones.
Android Desktop Mode aims to turn your phone into a desktop-like experience when connected to an external display, such as a monitor or laptop, via USB-C. It will allow users to resize and move windows around, multitask efficiently, and have a taskbar with pinned apps like Phone, Messages, Camera, and Chrome, along with an app drawer and recent apps much like a traditional desktop operating system. The interface will also let users switch smoothly between mobile and desktop modes.
This feature is similar to what Samsung offers with its DeX platform and Motorola with its Smart Connect (Ready For) mode. Samsung DeX and Motorola Ready For both enable users to connect their phones to larger screens and use multiple resizable windows, keyboard and mouse support, and desktop-style navigation. Samsung DeX even supports wireless connections to compatible TVs, while Motorola’s solution works on a wide range of devices, including flip phones, and supports wireless display via Miracast.
While Google’s Android Desktop Mode is still being polished and might not be ready for Android 16, it promises to bring a more integrated and native desktop experience to Android users, starting with Pixel phones. It may also support wireless connections in the future, although that is not confirmed yet.
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Summary
- Samsung DeX is well-regarded for its smooth multitasking, window snapping, and keyboard shortcuts, making it popular for productivity on the go.
- Motorola’s Ready For offers a unique twist by supporting flip phones and wireless connections, making it accessible for more users at lower price points.
- Google’s move to create a native desktop mode could unify and improve the Android ecosystem’s desktop experience, which until now has been fragmented and device-specific.
- This development could make Android phones a more viable replacement for laptops for many users, especially when traveling or working remotely, by providing a familiar desktop environment without needing a separate PC.
In summary, Android Desktop Mode is gearing up to bring a full desktop experience to Android phones, similar to Samsung DeX and Motorola Ready For, with multitasking, resizable windows, and a taskbar. Its launch is expected with Android 17 and next-gen Pixel devices, potentially making your phone a powerful desktop replacement in the near future.
