Google has made a big announcement during its I/O 2025 developer conference. Now Android phone users will soon be able to experience ‘desktop mode’ on their device. This new feature will be made available in the upcoming beta version of Android 16.
What is the desktop mode of Android 16?
This feature is for smartphones that support external displays, which can be connected to a monitor or TV through HDMI or USB-C. With this feature, the phone will work like a computer. You will be able to resice apps, do multitasking and launch the apps with the help of a taskbar, such as a laptop or desktop.
New system being created with Samsung
Google said that this system has been prepared on the basis of technology of Samsung Dex. In this, both the screen and external display of the phone can be controlled in different ways. If you want, users will be able to move any app or window from one screen to another. Also, the mouse cursor can also be rotated on both displays.
Special things of Android 16 desktop mode:
- There will be a taskbar to open apps
- App window can be resisible and moved
- Internal and external displays can be used in different ways
- Minimum window size: 386 x 352 dp
- Custom app header support
- The desktop session will be able to run simultaneously on both screens (if the device supports)
When will this feature be available?
This feature will come soon in the beta version of Android 16 QPR1. It is not included in the current beta version, but Google has said that its developer preview will be released soon in which desktop mode and window management features will be seen.
If you have a modern Android smartphone that can connect to the external display, then soon you will be able to use it as a mini computer. This feature can prove to be quite useful especially for professionals and multitasking users.