Smartphone screens have evolved significantly over the past decade, yet they still pale in comparison to the expansive real estate offered by portable monitors and televisions. For those equipped with a capable Android device and the appropriate cable, the option to project content onto a larger display is readily available. While most applications do not capitalize on this dual-screen capability, a select few stand out by providing enhanced experiences tailored for external displays.
To clarify, a “capable Android phone” refers to devices that either mirror their screens or present a desktop-like interface when connected to an external display. Notably, models like the Google Pixel 9 series and Samsung Galaxy S24 series support DisplayPort Alternate Mode, allowing them to transmit a DisplayPort video signal through their USB-C ports. This functionality enables apps to utilize the Presentation API, an older yet underappreciated feature that facilitates unique user interfaces on both the phone and the external screen.
1: Reading speaker notes from your phone while presenting in Google Slides
Google Slides, the popular presentation tool from Google, effectively harnesses the Presentation API to enhance productivity. When an Android phone is connected to an external display for a presentation, Google Slides allows users to view their speaker notes on the phone while displaying the slides on the larger screen. This feature eliminates the need to juggle a tablet or laptop during presentations, streamlining the experience for presenters.
2: Using both screens to play Nintendo DS games with DraStic
The Nintendo DS, with its dual screens, presents a unique challenge for emulation. However, the DraStic emulator offers a clever solution by allowing users to display one half of the Nintendo DS screen on their phone and the other half on an external display. This setup can be customized through the app’s settings, ensuring that gameplay remains accessible and visually appealing.
3: Get a clean camera viewfinder with Filmic Pro
For photography and videography enthusiasts, the Filmic Pro app stands out with its clean HDMI output feature. When activated, this functionality displays camera controls on the phone while providing a pristine viewfinder image on the external display. This dual-display setup allows users to focus on their recording while retaining easy access to essential camera adjustments.
While these three applications exemplify the innovative use of Android’s Presentation API, there may be additional apps that offer similar functionalities. Users are encouraged to explore and share their discoveries, contributing to a growing list of tools that enhance the dual-display experience on Android devices.
