Google's New Desktop Windowing Feature for Android Tablets
Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2024 7:38 pm
Google is testing an exciting new feature called "desktop windowing" for Android tablets, offering a more flexible and productive way to use apps. This feature, currently in developer preview, allows users to resize and rearrange app windows freely, similar to the experience on a desktop.
Desktop-Style Multitasking
Unlike the current full-screen mode for apps on Android tablets, the desktop windowing feature lets users open multiple instances of an app in separate, resizable windows. A taskbar at the bottom of the screen will display running apps, making multitasking a breeze. This functionality mirrors similar features on the iPad's Stage Manager or Samsung’s DeX, bringing a desktop-like experience to Android tablets.
How It Works
To activate desktop windowing, users can simply hold the window handle at the top of an app’s screen. For those using a keyboard, pressing "Meta Key + Ctrl + Down" will trigger the mode. To exit, users can either close all active windows or drag an app window to the top of the screen.
App Optimization
While some apps, especially those locked in portrait mode, might not look fully optimized, Google is addressing this by scaling non-resizable apps to maintain their aspect ratio. This ensures a better user experience even for apps that aren't yet fully adapted for the feature.
Availability
This feature is available in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel Tablets. Google has not provided a timeline for when it will roll out to all devices or whether it will be available on foldable phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Enhancing Productivity
With this new feature, Android tablets are becoming more versatile, enhancing productivity for users who rely on multitasking.
Desktop-Style Multitasking
Unlike the current full-screen mode for apps on Android tablets, the desktop windowing feature lets users open multiple instances of an app in separate, resizable windows. A taskbar at the bottom of the screen will display running apps, making multitasking a breeze. This functionality mirrors similar features on the iPad's Stage Manager or Samsung’s DeX, bringing a desktop-like experience to Android tablets.
How It Works
To activate desktop windowing, users can simply hold the window handle at the top of an app’s screen. For those using a keyboard, pressing "Meta Key + Ctrl + Down" will trigger the mode. To exit, users can either close all active windows or drag an app window to the top of the screen.
App Optimization
While some apps, especially those locked in portrait mode, might not look fully optimized, Google is addressing this by scaling non-resizable apps to maintain their aspect ratio. This ensures a better user experience even for apps that aren't yet fully adapted for the feature.
Availability
This feature is available in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel Tablets. Google has not provided a timeline for when it will roll out to all devices or whether it will be available on foldable phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Enhancing Productivity
With this new feature, Android tablets are becoming more versatile, enhancing productivity for users who rely on multitasking.
