Latest news with #SamsungDex
Tom's Guide
14-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Google's 'combining' Chrome OS and Android — and it's the smartest move it's made in years
Chrome OS is good and all, but it's always felt distant — on an island of its own away from the might of Android. Well, it turns out Google finally got the memo to send a rescue boat out to said island, as an executive has confirmed the company's plans to combine the two platforms. This comes in an interview with TechRadar, where Sameer Samat, president of Android ecosystem at Google, just dropped this nugget into a conversation about why the interviewer was using a suite of Apple devices. I asked because we're going to be combining Chrome OS and Android into a single platform, and I am very interested in how people are using their laptops these days and what they're getting done. Now, we have heard this before. Back in November, Android Authority reported that a source inside Google had said this was the mission. However, this is the first time Google has confirmed it on-the-record. And honestly? It may be a few years late in my eyes, but I'm glad it's finally happening. Let me explain. This comes off the back of Android bringing some new big screen features to the table, such as a proper desktop mode a la Samsung Dex, improved adaptability of apps, better external display support and windowing within the desktop. Basically, Android is now able to do pretty much everything that a Chromebook could, so why have the two running side by side in isolation of each other? I'll always appreciate what Chrome OS has brought to the table, though. I mean with the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, Google was able to make low-key one of the best laptops for students, sharpen up the OS with quick shortcuts and add AI features that are logically added rather than clumsily overlaid (looking at you, Microsoft Copilot). But what was learnt in Chrome OS can also come over to Android too, and having it all in one place unlocks a special new perk on the computing skill tree. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This is the moniker you hear around a lot of Apple devices. It's one of the reasons why I use them, why Lance who conducted this interview at TechRadar uses them, and hell, it's probably why a lot of you out there use them. The fact that everything just comes together through Continuity features and marries these devices together nicely is always one of Apple's superpowers that Google has been able to do somewhat, but just not to the level of smoothness you'd find in the Cupertino playground. To do it properly, you need real sync up in the operating systems, which for all the heavy lifting Google did with Chrome OS to try and make it talk to Android, it was just not feasible. But now a proper merger is on the cards, this is the answer to all of its problems. And stat-wise it makes sense too. According to most recent data, around 1.25% of the world's computer users are on Chrome OS — down from nearly 2% last year. With a downward trajectory, change needed to happen, and this might just be the smartest decision the company's made in a decade. As this was a quick quote from a Google exec, there are some questions I have that remain unanswered as of now: We don't have answers to any of these, and it'll be just a case of waiting and seeing what happens (my guess is by the time Android 17 rolls around). But as far as the initial news itself goes, this is an encouraging step in the right direction for Chromebooks.
Geeky Gadgets
08-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Android 16 Desktop Mode on Pixel 9 Pro XL is Awesome
What if your smartphone could replace your laptop? With the introduction of Android 16's desktop mode, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is making that vision a reality. Imagine plugging your phone into an external display and instantly transforming it into a fully functional desktop workspace. It's not just a gimmick—it's a bold leap toward redefining mobile productivity. While competitors like Samsung Dex have dominated this space for years, Google's latest feature signals a serious intent to challenge the status quo. And the best part? The Pixel 9 Pro XL is at the heart of this transformation, offering a glimpse into a future where your phone is the only device you need. ETA Prime explores the new capabilities of Android 16 desktop mode, from its multi-window multitasking to its customizable display settings. Whether you're editing videos on a larger screen, gaming with the precision of a desktop setup, or delivering presentations on the go, this innovation promises to elevate how you use your smartphone. But it's not without its quirks and limitations—yet. Curious about how it stacks up against established solutions or what it could mean for the future of mobile computing? Let's unpack the possibilities and challenges of this exciting new feature. Android 16 Desktop Mode Key Features of Android 16 Desktop Mode Android 16 desktop mode is equipped with a range of features that aim to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop computing. These include: Multi-Window Support: Run multiple apps simultaneously, allowing seamless multitasking for work or entertainment. Run multiple apps simultaneously, allowing seamless multitasking for work or entertainment. Resizable Windows: Adjust the size of app windows to suit your workflow, creating a more traditional desktop experience. Adjust the size of app windows to suit your workflow, creating a more traditional desktop experience. Taskbar Integration: Access shortcuts and switch between apps quickly with a persistent taskbar for improved navigation. Access shortcuts and switch between apps quickly with a persistent taskbar for improved navigation. Snap Functionality: Organize your workspace by arranging apps side-by-side for better productivity. Organize your workspace by arranging apps side-by-side for better productivity. Customizable Display Settings: Modify resolution, refresh rates, font sizes, and screen orientation to optimize your experience. These features are designed to make your smartphone a more versatile tool, capable of handling tasks that were previously cumbersome on mobile devices. Practical Applications of Desktop Mode The introduction of desktop mode opens up a variety of practical uses for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making it a more dynamic device. Some key applications include: Gaming: Play native Android games, access cloud gaming platforms, or use emulators on a larger screen for an immersive experience. Play native Android games, access cloud gaming platforms, or use emulators on a larger screen for an immersive experience. Media Editing: Edit photos and videos with greater precision by using external displays and compatible apps. Edit photos and videos with greater precision by using external displays and compatible apps. Multitasking: Work across multiple apps simultaneously, such as drafting emails while referencing documents or conducting online research. Work across multiple apps simultaneously, such as drafting emails while referencing documents or conducting online research. Presentations: Use your phone as a portable workstation to deliver presentations directly from your device to an external display. These scenarios demonstrate how Android 16 desktop mode can enhance both productivity and entertainment, making the Pixel 9 Pro XL a more versatile companion for various tasks. Pixel 9 Pro XL Android 16 Desktop Mode Demonstrated Watch this video on YouTube. Expand your understanding of Android 16 with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. How to Set Up Android 16 Desktop Mode Getting started with Android 16 desktop mode is straightforward, requiring only a few essential components: Android 16 Beta: Enroll in the beta program to download and install the latest version of Android 16 on your Pixel 9 Pro XL. Enroll in the beta program to download and install the latest version of Android 16 on your Pixel 9 Pro XL. USB-C to HDMI Adapter: Use a compatible adapter or USB-C display to connect your smartphone to an external monitor. Once these requirements are met, activating desktop mode is a seamless process. Simply connect your device to the external display, and the desktop interface will launch automatically, allowing you to transition from mobile to desktop effortlessly. Current Limitations of Android 16 Desktop Mode While Android 16 desktop mode shows promise, it is not without its limitations. These include: Single External Display Support: At present, only one external display can be connected at a time, limiting multitasking potential. At present, only one external display can be connected at a time, limiting multitasking potential. Basic Customization Options: The ability to personalize wallpapers, display resolution, and other settings is limited compared to competitors. The ability to personalize wallpapers, display resolution, and other settings is limited compared to competitors. Performance Issues: Some apps and games may not function optimally in desktop mode, affecting the overall user experience. These constraints highlight the feature's developmental stage, leaving room for future updates and improvements. Comparison with Competitors When compared to Samsung Dex and Lenovo's PC mode, Android 16 desktop mode still has areas to improve. Samsung Dex offers a more polished interface with superior app compatibility, while Lenovo's PC mode excels in multitasking features and overall stability. However, Android 16 desktop mode represents a significant step forward for Google, laying the groundwork for a competitive alternative. With further refinements, it has the potential to rival these established solutions. Future Prospects for Android 16 Desktop Mode The development of Android 16 desktop mode hints at exciting possibilities for the future of mobile-to-desktop computing. Anticipated advancements include: Enhanced Display Options: Future updates are expected to improve resolution, refresh rates, and overall display quality for a more refined experience. Future updates are expected to improve resolution, refresh rates, and overall display quality for a more refined experience. Broader Device Compatibility: The feature is likely to expand beyond the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making it available on other Pixel devices. The feature is likely to expand beyond the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making it available on other Pixel devices. Additional Features: Improvements such as better app optimization, more customization options, and support for multiple external displays are anticipated. These developments could position Android 16 desktop mode as a serious contender in the mobile-to-desktop computing space, offering users a more robust and versatile experience. Redefining Mobile Productivity Android 16 desktop mode on the Pixel 9 Pro XL represents a bold step toward redefining what smartphones can achieve. With features like multi-window support, resizable windows, and taskbar navigation, it provides a glimpse into the future of mobile computing. While it currently lags behind competitors in terms of polish and functionality, its potential for growth is evident. As Google continues to refine this feature, it could become a cornerstone of the Pixel experience, empowering users to achieve more with their devices. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
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.
