A strong case for smart glasses
Another thing I’ve learned from using Samsung DeX is that I technically don’t need to be locked down to a workstation in order to use it. If this Android desktop mode becomes a native Android 16 feature, it would make a stronger case for people to adopt smart glasses.
Since Samsung DeX and the current hidden desktop mode with the Pixel 9 Pro lean on a phone’s video out through USB-C support, you could connect a pair of smart or AR glasses to effectively act as the monitor. I’ve tried this out already using the Xreal Air 2 Pro, which is an excellent setup for when I’m in public or confined spaces.
Motorola’s Smart Connect feature in some of its phones, like the new Razr Ultra 2025, already allows supported phones to work with a Meta Quest 3 headset to deliver its own desktop-like experience in the virtual space. Why have a bulky workstation setup when you can put on a VR headset (or smart glasses) and get the same experience, but without the clutter?
This workflow is something I’ve been dreaming about for years now, ever since the first set of VR headsets came to market.
Challenges could still lie ahead
Before I can give up my laptop completely and rely on my phone, there are still a lot of challenges that could prevent me (and others) from fully committing to this new mode.
If Google does end up making this a native Android 16 feature, it would still hinge on whether or not a phone has proper USB-C video out support — and if it doesn’t, the the phone would probably follow a path similar to Motorola’s Smart Connect feature that uses a wireless connection. That approach is not as convenient in my opinion, but that’s one way for Google to bring desktop mode to more phones.
Secondly, Google would need to somehow allow users to switch between multiple Google accounts — allowing you to easily go from a personal account to a work one. Google Chrome for Windows 11 obviously lets me switch to multiple profiles, but Chrome for Android does not.
I don’t anticipate an Android 16 desktop mode to rival what I have now with my laptop, but just offering it is a good first step. By now, it’s long overdue and it could be a secret weapon Google could use to lure people away from the iPhone.
