Google to let users test Android 16 desktop mode on phones with external display support, here's how
Google has announced that Android phone users will soon be able to test the new desktop mode feature in Android 16. The update, revealed during the Google I/O 2025 developer conference, will bring desktop-like functionality to Android devices when connected to external displays. This feature will roll out in a future quarterly beta release of Android 16. Android 16 Brings Desktop Mode to Phones
The desktop mode builds on earlier work introduced in Android 15 for tablets, where Google first experimented with freeform windowing systems. Android 16 will expand this approach by adapting those windowing tools for use on external monitors. The system includes a taskbar for launching pinned or recent apps in resizable windows, creating a layout similar to a traditional desktop environment.
Also read: Why Restarting Your Router is a Thing of the Past?
During the Developer Keynote, Google confirmed its collaboration with Samsung to enhance this functionality. The team used the foundation of Samsung's DeX platform to create a system that supports multitasking and independent operation of internal and external displays.
Android 16 will also introduce platform-level support for connected displays. According to Google, this support will be part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and will appear in the upcoming developer previews.
Also read: Google I/O 2025: AI Mode rolls out in Search, know how it will benefit users Upcoming Beta and Key Features
Francesco Romano, a Developer Relations Engineer at Google, confirmed that these updates will appear in Android 16 QPR1's upcoming beta versions. The new features allow devices to manage two displays independently. Apps will remain specific to each screen, and users can shift windows, content, and the mouse cursor between them.
Additional technical details shared during the conference include a minimum window size of 386 x 352 dp, support for custom app headers, and the ability for desktop sessions to extend across both internal and external displays when compatible devices are used.
Also read: Google I/O 2025: Gemini Live with camera now free for everyone, Veo 3 for AI Ultra and other reveals
While Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 does not yet include these tools, Google confirmed that a developer preview supporting external display functions and desktop windowing will arrive shortly. These changes aim to improve productivity by turning Android phones into more versatile tools when paired with larger screens.
First Published Date: 23 May, 09:08 IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
33 minutes ago
- Hans India
Samsung Eyes Perplexity AI Partnership to Redefine Smartphone AI Strategy
Samsung appears to be preparing a major revamp of its AI strategy because ongoing discussions focus on integrating Samsung Perplexity AI into its smartphone ecosystem. Samsung holds advanced negotiations with the American startup Perplexity AI to preload its assistant on forthcoming devices and to make substantial investments in the company according to Bloomberg. Samsung could implement Perplexity's AI tools across various platforms such as Samsung AI browser and Bixby assistant and potentially its operating system should the agreement succeed. Samsung plans to implement the changes initially this year followed by a full implementation during the Galaxy S26 series release in 2026. The report shows that these plans remain unstable and may undergo changes before an official announcement occurs. The partnership will mark a fundamental change in Samsung's AI strategy. The company has predominantly utilized Google's Gemini to drive the AI capabilities in its Galaxy AI suite. A partnership with Perplexity would enable Samsung to expand its AI options while lessening its Gemini replacement. This deal represents Perplexity's biggest mobile partnership to date. The startup currently works alongside Motorola to integrate its AI assistant into both the Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra devices. Samsung started discussions with Perplexity AI on Samsung earlier this year and recent meetings in South Korea brought them closer to completing their deal. Samsung will likely emerge as one of the top investors in Perplexity's next funding round as well as pursue software Samsung AI integration opportunities. Samsung NEXT, the investment arm of Samsung, provided funding to the startup in 2024. Apple recently displayed their interest in exploring Perplexity's technological capabilities. Apple services head Eddy Cue explained during the antitrust trial against Google that his company initiated talks to explore Perplexity search tools for Siri as an alternative to Google or ChatGPT because they were impressed by Perplexity's capabilities. The potential impact of a Samsung-Perplexity partnership on the current discussions between Apple and Perplexity is yet unknown.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
42 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Now, you can generate videos with audio in Gemini with Veo 3: How it works
Google is expanding access to its AI-powered video generation model, Veo 3, for Google AI Pro subscribers. Previously limited to Ultra plan users, Veo 3 is now available through Flow—Google's AI filmmaking platform—and the Gemini mobile app. The model, introduced at Google I/O last month, supports native audio generation that syncs with visuals, allowing Pro users to create more immersive video content. Google stated that in regions where the Ultra Plan is active, AI Pro subscribers will now get limited access to Veo 3 within Flow, along with a 10-pack of trial video generations in the Gemini app. Meanwhile, Ultra subscribers will continue to enjoy higher generation limits. Google also noted that users will be notified when they approach their usage limit, including how many generations remain. While Veo 3 access for Pro subscribers is officially limited to countries where the Ultra Plan is available—and India is not currently on that list—some users in India have started seeing the Veo 3 option within the Gemini app. This suggests that an official rollout in the region may be on the horizon. Google Veo 3 in Gemini app: How to generate videos Open the Gemini mobile app on your smartphone. Ensure you have an active Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription. In the text box, type a prompt describing the video you want to generate. Below the text box, tap More > Video > Submit. Videos generated using Veo 3 in the Gemini app are 8 seconds long and include audio. To download the video, simply tap on the video and then select Download. Google Veo 3: What is new? Veo 3, the latest version of Google's video generation model, was unveiled at last month's I/O event. It builds on previous iterations with the ability to not only create realistic visuals from text prompts but also generate matching audio, including ambient sounds and character dialogue. 'Veo 3 excels from text and image prompting to real-world physics and accurate lip syncing. It's great at understanding; you can tell a short story in your prompt, and the model gives you back a clip that brings it to life,' Google said in a blog post. Veo 3 also powers Flow, Google's AI filmmaking platform, which enables paid users to generate 1080p resolution videos, leverage advanced camera controls, extend existing footage, and more.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
42 minutes ago
- Business Standard
WhatsApp will not work on older generation iPhone from June 1: Check models
WhatsApp has reportedly discontinued support for several older generation iPhone models as of June 1. According to instant messaging update tracker, WABetaInfo, this change is a part of a broader update to WhatsApp's system requirements, which mentions iOS 15.1 or later for iPhone users. The devices that cannot be upgraded to at least iOS 15.1 can no longer run WhatsApp. Alongside iPhones, Android devices must be running version 5.0 or higher to continue using the messaging platform. According to WabetaInfo, by not supporting older versions, WhatsApp will be able to optimise the app and introduce new features that simply would not be possible with an outdated operating system. WhatsApp is also providing a five-month notice period for users to update their devices if possible or consider alternatives if their hardware does not support newer iOS versions. The following iPhone models are not compatible with WhatsApp as the last iOS update available for these device models is iOS 12.5.7: iPhone 5s iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus As per a report by 9To5, some sources also mentioned the following devices: iPhone 6s iPhone 6s Plus iPhone SE Although, these models can run iOS 15.8.4. As long as they are updated to that version, WhatsApp will continue to function—at least until the next major support change. If you want to check your iPhone's software version: Go to the settings of your iPhone Tap on General Select About If your device cannot update to iOS 15.1 or higher, WhatsApp will no longer work. To continue using the app, you will soon need to switch to a supported device. The update was originally planned for May 5 but was delayed. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, routinely phases out support for older operating systems to maintain app performance, security, and access to newer features.
