Google is testing a new feature for Android tablets that would allow you to easily rearrange and resize applications on your screen, which will facilitate multitasking.
Developer previews of the “desktop windowing” functionality are now accessible, and you can even run several instances of the program simultaneously if they support it.
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How desktop windowing works
At the moment, Android tablet apps always launch in full-screen mode. Each app will appear in a window with buttons that let you move, maximise, or shut it when the new mode is activated.
Moreover, your open programs will be listed in a taskbar at the bottom of the screen. It sounds like Stage Manager for the iPad, which allows you to do the same with Windows on your screen or with almost any desktop operating system.
For years, Samsung has also provided its DeX experience, which gives Android apps on Galaxy phones and tablets desktop-like window management.
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Activation and limitations
When the functionality becomes available to all users, you may activate it by tapping and holding the window handle at the top of an application’s screen.
The shortcut meta key (Windows, Command, or Search) + Ctrl + Down may also be used to enter desktop mode if a keyboard is connected. (You may drag a window to the top of your screen to dismiss the mode, or you can close all your open apps.) According to Google, apps that are restricted to portrait orientation can still be resized, which might have odd visual effects if some apps aren’t optimised.
However, Google intends to fix this in a later release by resizing non-resizable apps’ user interfaces without changing their aspect ratios.
Users with the most recent Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel Tablets may access the developer preview. It is currently unknown when the functionality will be available to all users or whether it will work with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
