In a nutshell: Google has been working to convey a “correct” desktop mode to Android for fairly a while. The characteristic was first launched in 2019 with Android 10, but it surely wasn’t meant for end-users. Whereas Android 15 was anticipated to ship important enhancements to desktop mode, the characteristic has remained absent… till now.
Mountain View just lately confirmed {that a} client desktop mode remains to be occurring, and devs can take a look at out the brand new performance on the Pixel Pill utilizing the newest developer preview. Google is implementing desktop windowing utilizing “freeform” home windows that may be resized and moved at will.
The tech will let customers run a number of apps or app situations concurrently on the identical desktop, which ought to provide an “optimum multitasking” expertise. A refreshed system UI and new APIs purpose to make this desktop-like expertise extra seamless and user-friendly, we’re informed.
Freeform home windows in apps aren’t fully new to the Android ecosystem. Third-party options like Samsung DeX, in addition to Google’s personal ChromeOS, already present this functionality.
The brand new desktop mode features a fastened taskbar that shows operating apps, permitting customers to pin their favorites for faster entry. Desktop windowing might be activated by urgent and holding the “window deal with” on the high heart of the display, then dragging it throughout the UI. Google offered a fast animation to display how the method works.
Every app window options controls on the high, which builders can customise. Desktop windowing is deactivated when all lively home windows are closed or when an app’s window is “expanded” to cowl the total display, at which level apps return to conventional full-screen mode.
Transferring ahead, app builders might want to account for the potential for customers operating apps in desktop windowing mode. Google has emphasised the significance of optimizing code to fulfill particular large-screen app high quality tips. This consists of implementing adaptive layouts, correct state administration, and help for extra enter strategies akin to keyboards and mice.
devs can take the characteristic for a spin by grabbing the newest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2.