Android 15 is just around the corner, and while we can’t wait for the next version of Android to hit our Pixel devices, users who signed up for the beta program are already getting the QPR 1 Beta 2 update on their devices. This new update officially introduces the highly anticipated Android update desktop window support.
This news comes from a Recent Google Blog Post where they talked about desktop windowing and how it works. This new update will allow you to run any supported application in free-form window mode. So you can resize it and move around the screen freely. Once you launch an app in windowed mode, all future app applications will open in Windows until you leave them all.
This will allow users to run multiple applications side by side by taking full advantage of a tablet’s large screen. Something that other phone makers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi have been able to do for some time with their custom skins on Android. Google has also updated the taskbar to show running apps and its position has been fixed as well.
To access this mode, go to Settings > Developer options > Enable freeform window mode. Remember that this only works on tablets. Once enabled, a window bar will appear above each app, and you’ll need to hold it down and drag it to the center of the screen to convert it into a window. If you have a keyboard, you can use this shortcut: Windows/Command/Search button + Ctrl + Down to enter this mode.
This blog is for developers to learn more about this feature and use responsive layouts for their apps. Google is also asking to implement features like drag and drop to improve interactions between apps and provide a better multitasking experience. This will be a big change for tablets and even foldable devices.
That’s because Android, in its current state, isn’t optimized to run on large-screen devices. Apps stretch to weird proportions or display in an unusual orientation. So a windowed mode will help solve these issues somewhat. Are you excited about the idea of desktop window support finally coming to Android? Let us know in the comments section.
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