Pixel 11 Pro Fold is changing how I multitask on a foldable with ‘App Handles’ [Gallery]

In a recent preview of the Canary build, Google has introduced an innovative feature with its Pixel 11 Pro Fold: the “App Handles” multitasking capability. This addition enhances the user experience significantly, providing a more organized approach to managing applications.

Building upon the existing “Bubbles” functionality, “App Handles” serves as a dedicated dock for floating windows. Users can effortlessly select any app and drag it to the bottom-right corner of the display, where it locks into place as a floating window. This design ensures that the app remains accessible while still allowing it to overlay other tasks seamlessly.

The primary advantage of this feature lies in its intuitive swipe-up gesture from the designated corner, aptly named “App Handles.” This gesture activates the app, making multitasking both efficient and user-friendly.

Users can store multiple apps in this corner, facilitating easy switching between them. This functionality adds a new layer of multitasking, complementing the existing capability to position two apps side-by-side on the inner display. Additionally, a small pop-up phone can run its own apps within this larger interface.

During my initial week with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, “App Handles” has emerged as my standout feature. Having previously used a Galaxy Z Fold device, I found floating windows to be somewhat unreliable. However, Google’s implementation of “App Handles” has proven to be remarkably effective, particularly with its quick access gesture. Moreover, when the display is closed, any apps set up as a “Handle” transform into a “Bubble” on the cover display, maintaining accessibility.

This feature allows for multitasking without overwhelming the user interface. While the foldable’s inner display is excellent for side-by-side multitasking, there are times when a full canvas for a single app is preferable, whether due to formatting issues or personal preference.

Here are some practical examples of how I’ve been utilizing this feature:

• Keeping Google Keep readily accessible for note-taking.
• Maintaining a messaging app open without fully exiting my current tasks.
• Accessing Chrome quickly for additional research while reading in another application.

The versatility of “App Handles” opens a myriad of potential use cases, allowing users to tailor their multitasking experience to their unique needs. This feature stands out as one of the most beneficial enhancements in the foldable space, rivaling even the “Open Canvas” introduced with the OnePlus Open in 2023.

As the Pixel 11 Pro Fold becomes available, there is hope that “App Handles” will also be integrated into previous generations through upcoming Android updates, potentially revolutionizing multitasking across the Android ecosystem.

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