When discussing desktop mode on Android, many people immediately think of Samsung’s DeX or Motorola’s ready for platforms. These are indeed two of the most advanced custom implementations available currently. However, a lesser-known fact is that there is a Desktop mode in Google’s AOSP. It was initially introduced with Android 10 in a very basic state, mainly for developers to test their apps in multi-display scenarios.
Since its initial release, Desktop mode has gradually improved, now capable of easily handling a side-by-side mode with two apps on the screen. More apps can be opened simultaneously using the free-form multi-window experience, but with some limitations.
Google appears to be working on enhancing its multi-window Android desktop experience and has already made some progress. Android Authority discovered some interesting new additions by modifying developer flags on the latest Android 14 QPR3 2.1 beta build.
The new multi-window experience can be seen in the video. Essentially, there is now a new title bar with a small menu that appears when tapping the handle on top of a full-screen app. The menu includes options for full screen, split screen, or freeform mode. In freeform mode, windows can be freely moved and resized. A “Snap to edge” feature allows windows to be snapped to the left or right half of the screen. Users can also transition directly from a fullscreen app to a freeform window by holding and dragging the handle on top of the app. However, window positioning and keyboard shortcuts for snapping are still unavailable, and there is no proper desktop launcher.
These significant improvements in productivity and usability are expected to arrive with Android 15. Google may even incorporate them into the Pixel 9 experience when those devices are released later this fall. The recent addition of display output on the Pixel 8 series suggests a renewed interest in this feature by the tech giant.