Latest news with #FlorinaMuntenescu
Phone Arena
6 days ago
- Phone Arena
Turns out Samsung had more to do with this Android 16 long-awaited feature than we thought
Google has finally confirmed the new desktop mode in Android 16, and it turns out that instead of it being a Samsung DeX killer, it's actually inspired by it. During a developer session at Google I/O 2025, the company explained that it's been working closely with Samsung to bring better desktop features to Android. This includes improved window management and multitasking tools designed for larger screens. Google said it's building on the foundation of DeX to support more flexible and powerful productivity workflows. — Florina Muntenescu, Developer Relations Manager, Google This adds a new perspective to what we've seen so far. Leaked Android 16 builds already showed signs of a desktop-like experience, with updates like resizable windows and better multi-window support. Now we know that much of that work was done in partnership with Samsung, rather than in competition with another I/O developer session, the presenter highlighted the growing need for Android apps to adapt smoothly to different screen sizes. With foldables, tablets, and even phones being used more often for work and multitasking, desktop-style features are becoming more relevant. The new desktop mode is part of a bigger push to make Android more flexible across form factors. Moments on the Google I/O stage where Android 16 desktop mode was brought up. | Images credit — Google Meanwhile, Samsung also appears to be preparing for these changes. Early versions of One UI 8 show a refreshed DeX interface, possibly redesigned to take advantage of the new Android 16 improvements. This suggests that both companies are working in sync to create a more unified experience across devices. At the moment, the desktop mode in Android 16 is not enabled by default in the beta release. Google hasn't said when it will be officially available, but it's clear that development is moving forward. In the end, this isn't about killing off DeX. Instead, Android 16 seems to be giving it a stronger base to grow from. For users who want more out of their Android devices, especially when connecting to bigger screens, this update could make a noticeable difference. It's still early, but this collaboration between Google and Samsung may shape the future of Android productivity.
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Business Standard
7 days ago
- Business Standard
Google previews Samsung DeX-like desktop mode for Android at I/O: Details
Google is working on a new desktop mode for Android devices; the new feature was teased during the Google I/O developer conference 2025. This feature will allow compatible smartphones to deliver a PC-like experience when connected to external displays, similar to Samsung's DeX. Florina Muntenescu, an engineering manager at Google, shared that Google is building on Samsung's DeX platform to create better multitasking tools in Android 16. A demo during the Google I/O event showed a new layout that appears a lot like Samsung DeX. Apps such as Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, and Google Photos appeared in a taskbar at the bottom of the screen. The time was displayed at the top-left corner, while the Wi-Fi and battery icons were on the top-right. Google's new desktop mode will be part of Android 16. One of the key features is adaptive apps. These apps can resize and move around the screen just like on a computer. That means users will be able to drag, drop, and arrange apps any way they like. Google said that they are making API changes to Android 16 that would no longer react to orientation, resizability and aspect ratio restriction, giving users a more responsive user interface by default. Google also posted more information on its blog, saying that Android 16 will focus on making apps work better across many different devices. This includes not just phones, but also tablets, foldables, Chromebooks, cars, and even mixed reality wearables. With this update, Google is showing that Android is growing beyond phones. Google's desktop mode feature is expected to be rolled out with Android 16 later this year. What is Samsung DeX? DeX, which stands for "Desktop eXperience," allows Galaxy smartphone users to mirror their phone's screen on a Windows PC. Launched in 2017, Samsung DeX also offers a desktop-like interface when the smartphone is connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Tom's Guide
21-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Android 16 desktop mode — Google's best-kept secret got a quiet reveal at I/O
During all the excitement of Google's annual I/O 2025, you may have missed the more technical developer keynote where Google revealed that it's been working on a desktop mode for Android 16. You can watch the part of the live stream here where it's revealed. Engineering manager Florina Muntenescu confirmed that the company is working with Samsung since the new mode is "building on the foundation" of the DeX platform, available on Samsung's Galaxy phones. "We've been collaborating with Samsung, building on the foundation of Samsung DeX, to bring enhanced desktop windowing capabilities in Android 16 for more powerful productivity workflows," the company said. We've said that Pixel 9 Pro phones already have a hidden desktop mode that is one of Google's best kept secrets that needs to be on all Android devices. This quiet tease makes it more of a reality. We've been collaborating with Samsung, building on the foundation of Samsung DeX After the keynote, Google posted a blog about adaptive Android apps where the company said, "an app's ability to seamlessly adapt to different screen sizes is becoming increasingly crucial." We've known for while that Google is working a version of DeX as previously leaked Android 16 code revealed a desktop mode that was turned off by default. At the same time, a version of Samsung DeX was discovered in One UI 8 test builds that appeared to take advantage of the Android 16 Material 3 Express redesign. Of course, last April there were reports that Android 15 builds had a work-in-progress desktop mode but that feature never released and Google didn't talk publicly about desktop mode like it did at I/O this year. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Currently, desktop mode is still turned off in Android 16 beta builds, and it's not clear when the Google and Samsung collaboration will actually release. Nonetheless, this would be one step closer in giving people more access to this helpful tool.
The Verge
21-05-2025
- The Verge
Google teases an Android desktop mode, made with Samsung's help
Google is working with Samsung to bring a desktop mode to Android. During Google I/O's developer keynote, engineering manager Florina Muntenescu said the company is 'building on the foundation' of Samsung's DeX platform 'to bring enhanced windowing capabilities in Android 16,' as spotted earlier by 9to5Google. Samsung first launched DeX in 2017, a feature that automatically adjusts your phone's interface and apps when connected to a larger display, allowing you to use your phone like a desktop device. A demo during the presentation revealed a Samsung DeX-like layout, with apps like Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, and Google Photos centered in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. It also showed how Android 16's adaptive apps can move and stretch across the screen. The time sits at the top-left corner of the screen, with the Wi-Fi signal and battery on the right. In March, Android Authority 's Mishaal Rahman reported on Google's plans to create a desktop mode of its own, and later enabled an early version of the feature on a Pixel shared more details in a blog post about the update, saying Android 16's emphasis on adaptiveness will also help apps work on more kinds of devices, like foldables, tablets, Chromebooks, mixed reality wearables, and even cars.
Android Authority
21-05-2025
- Android Authority
Google says Android 16's desktop mode is built on Dex's foundation
TL;DR A Google representative said that Android 16's desktop mode is built on Samsung Dex's foundation. The employee also confirmed that Google and Samsung are working together on the mode. Google is finally bringing a desktop mode to Android 16, and this comes years after Samsung first introduced the Dex desktop mode to Android. However, it seems like Android 16's mode shares some DNA with Dex. Google employee Florina Muntenescu revealed (h/t: 9to5Google) that Android 16's desktop mode is built on Samsung's foundations: We've been collaborating with Samsung, building on the foundation of Samsung Dex, to bring enhanced desktop windowing capabilities in Android 16, for more powerful productivity workflows. It's unclear whether Google is copy/pasting Dex into Android 16 or if the two companies are creating an evolved version for Android 16 using Samsung's knowledge accrued over the years. We've asked Google to clarify the statement and will update the article as soon as the company gives us an answer. In any event, Google's decision to team up with Samsung on Android's desktop mode is smart. Samsung first introduced Dex to Android back in 2017, giving users a PC-style experience when their phones were connected to an external display. So the Galaxy maker has plenty of expertise in this area. This news follows a leak suggesting that Dex in One UI 8 could take some cues from Android 16's desktop mode. In any event, we're glad to see a proper desktop mode in stock Android after all this time. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
