Google is poised to enhance multitasking capabilities on its Android platform with an exciting new feature that allows users to place any app in a floating bubble. This development comes as part of the ongoing evolution of the Android operating system, which has seen various iterations since the introduction of the bubbles API with Android 11 in 2020. Initially designed for messaging apps, the bubbles API enabled conversations to pop up in a floating window, allowing users to engage without fully opening the app. However, this feature has remained largely underutilized due to limited support from many popular applications.
Expanding the Bubbles API
The existing bubbles API primarily facilitates conversation notifications, which can be opted out of by users, leading to a lack of widespread adoption among app developers. Many leading messaging applications do not support this feature, forcing users to launch the app entirely to view conversations. This limitation is unfortunate, as the interface that appears within the bubble operates as a standard Android activity, suggesting that most apps could theoretically function within this framework.
In a recent exploration of the Android 15 QPR1 beta, references to a groundbreaking “bubble anything” feature were uncovered. With some adjustments, this feature was successfully activated, allowing any app to be launched in a floating bubble. This functionality is initiated through a new “bubble” button that appears in the context menu when users press and hold an app icon on the home screen. Once selected, the app opens in a floating bubble, enhancing the multitasking experience significantly.
The potential impact of the “bubble anything” feature is particularly pronounced on Android tablets. When combined with the anticipated bubble stashing feature and the existing bubble bar, users can expect a robust multitasking experience that rivals desktop windowing capabilities. A demonstration video showcases how these features work in tandem, highlighting their effectiveness in optimizing productivity on larger screens.
While the timeline for the official rollout of the “bubble anything” feature remains uncertain, its substantial implications for multitasking suggest that Google may reserve it for the upcoming Android 16 release. However, given the company’s recent introduction of desktop windowing and lock screen widgets in a minor beta update, the actual release strategy remains a topic of speculation. Observers are keenly watching to see if this innovative feature will soon become a reality for Android users.
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