Google is finally adding a desktop experience to Android. Beginning in Android QPR1 Beta 2, available today, Android is getting new app windowing capabilities similar to what you’d get with Samsung DeX. There’s a reason for that similarity: Google says it worked closely with Samsung to develop “a more seamless and powerful desktop windowing experience” for tablets and devices connected to external displays.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 includes new functionality that makes Android look and feel similar to ChromeOS, with a desktop-style task bar at the bottom of the screen and flexible floating app windows. The functionality is available on both phones connected to an external display via DisplayPort, as well as tablets — with or without an external display.
When a compatible phone is connected to an external screen, that screen will display a familiar desktop-like interface. There, you’ll be able to use apps in floating windows across multiple discrete desktops. This interface is also available directly on tablet displays, and when a tablet is connected to an additional external screen, the interface will expand across both, creating a multi-monitor setup similar to what you’d get connecting a laptop to a monitor.
Using this interface, you can also open multiple instances of supported apps — allowing you to, for example, have two Google Chrome windows open at one time.
Early days for desktop mode on Android 16
Google developed this desktop experience in partnership with Samsung, and says that the progress made here will benefit both stock Android users, as well as Samsung’s existing DeX functionality.
To try out Android’s desktop mode for yourself, you’ll need a Pixel 8 or Pixel 9 running the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2. You’ll also need to enable the Desktop experience features toggle in your device’s developer settings. From there, connect your device to an external display using DisplayPort over USB-C, and you’re off to the races.
A built-in desktop interface in Android could be a real game-changer, especially as Google reportedly eyes migrating the ChromeOS experience to an Android foundation. If you’re interested in trying Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2, head over to Google’s Android beta site to sign up.
