Google is experimenting with desktop-style windows on Android tablets -iron9tech

Google is experimenting with a novel feature for Android tablets that allows users to resize applications freely and organize them on their screen as desired. This enhancement aims to simplify multitasking by enabling users to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Key Features:

• The "desktop windowing" feature is currently available as a developer preview.
• For compatible apps, users can have multiple instances open simultaneously.
• By default, Android tablet apps open in full-screen mode.
• When activated, each app appears in a window with controls for repositioning, maximizing, or closing the app.
• A taskbar at the bottom of the screen displays running apps.

Comparison to Other Systems:

This feature bears similarities to Apple's iPad Stage Manager, which allows users to resize and move windows on their screen. It also shares characteristics with desktop operating systems.

Samsung has offered its DeX experience for several years, providing desktop-like window management for Android apps on Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

Activation and Usage:

Once widely available, users can enable the feature by:

• Pressing and holding the window handle at the top of an app's screen
• Using the keyboard shortcut Meta key (Windows, Command, or Search) + Ctrl + Down

Users can exit the desktop mode by closing all active apps or by dragging a window to the top of the screen.

Considerations:

• Apps locked to portrait orientation remain resizable, which may lead to unusual appearances if certain apps are not optimized.
• Google plans to address this issue in a future update by scaling the UI of non-resizable apps while maintaining their aspect ratio.

Availability:

The developer preview is accessible in the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel Tablets. However, the exact rollout date for general users remains unknown, and it's unclear whether the feature will be available on the upcoming Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

This new feature aims to enhance productivity and multitasking capabilities on Android tablets, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with their devices.