Google is poised to enhance the multitasking capabilities of Android 16 with an innovative feature that promises to revolutionize how users interact with their apps. This new functionality, dubbed “bubble anything,” was unveiled in the recent Android 15 QPR1 beta, signaling a significant shift in user experience.
Here’s What We Know
The “bubble anything” feature allows users to open any application in a floating window that hovers above other apps, facilitating seamless transitions between tasks. This advancement marks a departure from the previous “bubbles API,” which, introduced in Android 11, was limited to messaging apps. While it provided a glimpse into multitasking potential, its utility was hampered by the lack of support from many applications.
With the upcoming update, Google is testing the capability to enable any app to be placed in a floating window, a move that is particularly advantageous for tablet users who rely on efficient multitasking. The feature integrates a “bubble” button into the context menu, which appears when users long-press an app icon on their home screen. A simple tap on this button will launch the selected app in a floating window, enhancing accessibility and workflow.
While the excitement surrounding “bubble anything” is palpable, it is important to note that the feature has not yet received official confirmation. As with any software development, there remains a possibility that it could be altered or even scrapped before its anticipated release. Nevertheless, the prospect of this feature making its debut in Android 16 has sparked considerable interest among users and developers alike.
Source: Android Authority