Google is testing a new feature in Android 16 called Desktop Mode, allowing users to connect their smartphones to external monitors and experience a desktop-like interface, similar to Samsung’s DeX.
Key Features:
- Desktop-Like Interface: Upon connecting a compatible Android 16 device (e.g., Pixel 8 Pro) to a monitor via USB-C, users are presented with a PC-like environment featuring:
- A top status bar displaying Wi-Fi and signal strength.
- A bottom taskbar with pinned apps and a Windows-style app drawer.
- Android’s native navigation buttons on the taskbar’s right end.
- Windowed App Support: Applications open in resizable windows, enabling users to snap them to screen edges, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
- Multi-Display Management: Recent updates allow users to manage multiple displays, arranging mobile screens and monitors for seamless cursor navigation, akin to desktop OS setups.
Availability:
While promising, Desktop Mode might not be available at the official Android 16 release. It could be introduced in a subsequent update or in Android 17, anticipated in 2026.
This development signifies a step towards integrating mobile and desktop experiences, potentially redefining productivity on Android devices.