Hot topics

Android Q desktop mode could actually be useful

android q desktop preview blandford
© Daniel Blandford

Read in other languages:

Android Q is going to be the first version of Android to come with a built-in desktop mode. While the functionality of the native launcher is basic, an experimental launcher from developer Daniel Blandford shows what it's really capable of.  

For his desktop environment to work, Blandford was able to hook up his Essential Phone to a monitor and keyboard without the need for a docking station like Samsung DeX, and used his custom launcher to make the magic happen. With Android Q and the native launcher, it's not possible to do much more than add shortcuts to apps and launch them. But with the launcher Blandford designed, it's possible go beyond this.

As you can see in the video below, in addition to basic app shortcuts on the desktop, there is a Windows-style menu and task bar along the bottom. This will let you jump between apps like you would on a real desktop, and see the usual array of status icons and the time. Additionally, it's possible to rearrange app windows around the screen. There's also a Google Assistant widget, and quick ways to access the file explorer app and settings, making it even more practical.

This preview of what the Android Q desktop mode can do gives a glimpse of some exciting possibilities. Do you believe smartphones are taking steps toward being able to replace laptops? Let us know what you think in the comments!

  Editor's choice Best smart home control center Best price-performance ratio Best sound Best sound supplement Best display
Product
Product image Amazon Echo Dot (5. Gen) 2022 Product Image Amazon Echo Hub Product Image Amazon Echo (4.Gen) Product Image Amazon Echo Studio Product Image Amazon Echo Sub Product Image Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd. Gen) Product Image
Review
Review: Amazon Echo Dot (5. Gen) 2022
Review: Amazon Echo Hub
Not yet tested
Review: Amazon Echo Studio
Not yet tested
Not yet tested
Price Compariosn
Go to comment (0)
Brittany McGhee

Brittany McGhee
Editor androidpit.com

Brittany loves to keep up with the latest technology and innovation, so she is excited to have the opportunity to write about the wonderful world of Android. She thinks spreadsheets and numbers are fun, in addition to reading books and volunteering.

Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
No comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing