When the term "desktop mode" is mentioned in relation to Android, many immediately think of Samsung's DeX or Motorola's ready-for platforms, which are considered some of the most sophisticated custom implementations available. However, what's less known is that Google's Android Open Source Project (AOSP) also features its own Desktop mode. Initially introduced with Android 10 in a basic form primarily for developer testing of multi-display scenarios, this mode has since seen gradual but notable improvements.
The Desktop mode within AOSP has evolved to support a side-by-side mode, accommodating two apps on the screen simultaneously, and even offers a freeform multi-window experience, albeit with certain limitations. Recent developments suggest that Google is actively refining its multi-window Android desktop experience. Unveiled through exploration of developer flags in the latest Android 14 QPR3 2.1 beta build by Android Authority, significant enhancements have been observed.
Among the key additions is a new title bar with a compact menu accessible by tapping a small handle atop a full-screen app. This menu offers options for switching between full-screen, split-screen, or freeform mode. Once in freeform mode, users gain the ability to freely drag and resize windows, with a convenient "snap to edge" feature facilitating quick alignment to the screen's halves. Moreover, users can transition directly from a full-screen app to a freeform window by dragging the new handle, bypassing the menu altogether. However, notable features such as window positioning shortcuts or keyboard shortcuts for snapping are still absent, as is a dedicated desktop launcher.
These substantial enhancements in productivity and usability are anticipated to debut alongside Android 15, with potential inclusion in the Pixel 9 experience upon its release later this fall. Google's recent activation of display output on the Pixel 8 series suggests a renewed focus on this feature, hinting at further improvements to come.