In a motion aimed toward remodeling smartphones into stronger productiveness instruments, Google has introduced that Android 16 will introduce a brand new desktop mode. This long-awaited characteristic will enable customers to attach their Android telephones to exterior shows and use them in a desktop-like surroundings.
Dissembled on the Google I/O 2025 developer convention, the replace will quickly be out there in a future quarterly model of Android 16. It extends on the bottom -based land in Android 15, which for the primary time introduced the FreeForm window to tablets. With Android 16, Google refines this idea, adapting it for exterior screens.
The brand new desktop mode features a devoted exercise bar that enables customers to launch fastened or current functions in lowered home windows, resembling the expertise of utilizing a desktop pc.
Throughout the Keynote developer, Google introduced a collaboration with Samsung to regulate the place. By constructing on the DEX platform of Samsung, Google has developed a system that accepts impartial multitasking on each the telephone display screen and on an exterior display screen.
The platform help for exterior show shall be a part of the Android Open Supply Venture (AOSP) and shall be made out there by way of the previews of future builders.
Francesco Romano, Google Developer Relationship engineer, confirmed that these updates will debut in Android 16 QPR1 Beta. “These updates will enable Android gadgets to deal with two shows independently,” he defined. “Functions will stay associated to particular person screens, and customers can transfer home windows, content material and even the mouse cursor between shows.”
Technical particulars shared on the convention talked about that Home windows can have a minimal dimension of 386 x 352 DP. The system may also help personalised functions headquarters and can enable desktop periods to stretch on each inside and exterior show – on accepted gadgets.
Though Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 doesn’t but embrace new instruments, Google has ensured builders that a preview with exterior show and window help is on the highway.