Google has been working on a new Desktop mode for Android for a while. While Samsung Dex offers enhanced multitasking features, it is limited to Samsung devices. However, this is soon set to change as Google unveils its Dex rival that will work on Pixel phones. That being said, here are 5 features that we wish Google would borrow from Samsung’s Dex feature.
Table of Contents
5 Things We Wish to See in Google’s Desktop Mode for Android
1. Multiple Modes and Input Methods
Samsung Dex has multiple display modes, giving you the convenience and multitasking capabilities as you wish. There is DeX mode, which only lets you use DeX and turns your phone into a touchpad or keyboard. Furthermore, there’s a dual mode where you can use your phone while using DeX. Apart from this, there’s a standalone DeX mode which works natively on the device and transforms your interface to a desktop-like environment.
There’s DeX for PC apart from Wireless DeX PC, which, as the name suggests, relies on wired and wireless connections, respectively. The coolest part about DeX is that you can use an external keyboard, mouse, controller, or even use your phone or tablet as a touchpad or keyboard. Oh, and if you have a device that supports S-Pen, you can use it to control DeX too. Google could take some inspiration and support for various modes and input options, just like Samsung
2. Compatibility With Foldable Phones and Shortcut Support
Samsung DeX currently does not support flip phones. This means if you buy an expensive phone from the South Korean giant, you will miss out on DeX. Google has a real chance of bringing the Desktop mode to flip phones. With Z Flip users missing out on DeX, Google might lure them into buying a Pixel Flip (if it ever makes one).
Maybe Google could go one step further and make a standalone desktop mode for the Pixel Fold. It could pave the way for next-level multitasking, letting you leverage all the benefits of a foldable phone. This could work just like standalone DeX mode on Samsung tablets. Also, Google could borrow a page out of Samsung’s notebook to add shortcuts accessible in the desktop mode.
3. Seamless connection and Low Latency for Gaming
Let’s be honest, gaming on your phone’s display isn’t the most immersive experience. While Samsung Dex lets you cast your favorite mobile games to a bigger screen without any noticeable delay or latency, we hope Google does the same. As mobile games become more and more graphically intensive, it’s only natural that people will wish to game on a bigger screen.
Also Read:
- Android 16 Desktop Mode May Be the Samsung Dex Rival You Have Been Waiting For
- 10 Ways to Fix Samsung De Not Working on Galaxy Phones
With Samsung DeX, you can pair a PS5 DualSense controller, letting you use it as an input device while hooking it up to a TV. With the emerging rise of cloud gaming, more and more people want to game on the go. Imagine playing Grid Legends on a 4K TV running natively on your smartphone without any noticeable latency or delay, that would be crazy!
4. Better User Interface and App Optimization
Google’s Desktop mode for Android phones mostly borrows the user interface from the tablet counterpart. It has an app drawer, task bar, and a split quick settings with a Gaussian blur. In the task bar, you will see the recent tabs at the bottom, just like Samsung DeX. Apart from launching multiple apps in floating windows and snapping them, you can drag and drop them to the side. You can even drag and drop things from one app to another.
What’s the catch, then? Well, the user interface of Android’s desktop mode is just a lame copy of the mobile version. Google could have simply borrowed the quick settings toggle from Chromebooks for a better multitasking experience. Similarly, there should have been a Start menu-inspired columns menu like Windows instead of the app drawer we see on Android.
Right now, the Desktop mode for Android 16 looks more like an enlarged version of Android for tablets. It should aim to offer a full fledged PC like experience with a proper file explorer, a desktop version of Chrome with extensions, and a YouTube TV app. There should be seamless integration between the desktop version of these apps and the mobile version
Google needs to make several refinements if it wants the feature to stand a chance. Another major thing is app optimization. Most apps are made for phones. Given the state of Android tablets, most developers don’t even bother to optimize their apps for a larger screen. For what it’s worth, Samsung has optimized more than 70 apps for DeX, including MS Office, Gmail, Drive, Outlook, Zoom, and more.
If Google incentivizes developers to create apps for the desktop mode, maybe we could see a full-fledged version of Photoshop or Canva in the desktop mode. By optimizing the user interface and adding support for calls, messages, and other phone features, it could emerge as the ultimate laptop killer.
5. Wireless Mode, Customization, and Accessories Portfolio
Currently, Google’s Desktop mode only supports wired connectivity. Samsung DeX is already one step ahead since it has a wireless mode built in. Not only is this mode seamlessly integrated with other Samsung TVs and monitors, but it also works with non-Samsung ones via Miracast. Furthermore, you can also connect wirelessly to a PC, although your computer needs to meet certain requirements.
Maybe Google could go one step further than Samsung, letting us choose whether we wish to mirror the screen, extend, or simply have two different setups in the Desktop mode. By allowing users to choose the resolution, refresh rate, and more, Google could make a desktop mode for power users. And if with increasing power in smartphones, maybe Google could allow users to cast wirelessly to two devices at once – the possibilities are endless. Samsung has plenty of DeX accessories, which include a keyboard with dedicated DeX keys. Maybe Google could offer something similar with wider compatibility and even introduce a sidecar feature similar to Apple for Android tablets while they are at it.
