Android 14 already features a desktop mode, which activates when the device is connected to an external monitor. However, a new development in Android 15 may soon eliminate the need for an additional display for mobile device users. The Android Authority portal has uncovered a function in the test version of Android 15 that enables users to access some of the “PC mode” features directly on the tablet screen itself.
This innovative mode is initiated by tapping the Desktop button in the recently launched applications menu. Once activated, the mobile operating system allows users to launch selected programs in windows of various shapes and sizes. Users can move these windows around the display, resize them, maximize them, run them in split-screen mode, and add other applications as additional windows.
Comparing to Samsung Dex and Potential Availability
The upcoming feature bears a striking resemblance to Samsung’s Dex mode, which also operates without requiring a separate display on Samsung’s branded tablets. This similarity suggests that Android is taking steps to offer a more versatile and desktop-like experience across a broader range of devices.
As of now, it remains uncertain when exactly this innovation will be officially introduced in Android 15. There’s a possibility that for an initial period, this function might be exclusive to Google Pixel series gadgets. However, given Android’s history of rolling out features to a wide range of devices, it’s likely that this desktop mode will eventually become available on tablets from various manufacturers, adds NIX Solutions.
The introduction of this built-in desktop mode represents a significant step forward in mobile computing, potentially blurring the lines between tablets and traditional desktop computers. By offering a more flexible and multitasking-friendly interface, Android 15 could enhance productivity and user experience for tablet owners.
As development progresses, we’ll keep you updated on any new information regarding this feature’s implementation and availability. The Android team continues to refine and expand the capabilities of the operating system, and this desktop mode is just one example of their ongoing efforts to improve user experience across all types of devices.
While we await further details, it’s clear that this new desktop mode has the potential to significantly enhance the functionality of Android tablets, offering users a more versatile and powerful mobile computing experience. As always, the exact features and release timeline may be subject to change as Android 15 moves through its development and testing phases.