One of the enduring attractions of Samsung smartphones, despite occasional frustrations, is the innovative Samsung DeX feature. Since its debut with the Galaxy S8, DeX has undergone a series of enhancements, and recent developments shed light on this evolution. Google has been collaborating with Samsung to build upon the foundation of Samsung DeX for the upcoming Android 16’s Native desktop mode.
With DeX, users can seamlessly transform their smartphones into a desktop or laptop experience by simply connecting to an external display. This functionality is further enhanced on many Samsung tablets, which allow users to switch effortlessly between the traditional Android interface and Samsung DeX, thanks to their larger screens. A pointer device and keyboard are all that’s needed to embark on this versatile journey.
While Google has been exploring similar desktop functionalities over the past few years, it wasn’t until last year that substantial progress became evident. Previously, Android’s desktop mode was largely impractical, offering little more than a static background. However, applications like Taskbar have made strides in enhancing this experience, introducing features such as freeform multi-windows and an app drawer.
As Android 16 approaches, the anticipation grows, although the desktop mode has yet to be released. This absence may explain its limited discussion during major events like The Android Show or the Google I/O Keynote. Behind the scenes, a demo showcased the resizing of app windows in desktop mode, hinting at the potential of this feature.
It seems plausible that desktop mode was initially an afterthought, prompting Google to seek Samsung’s expertise. The tech giant may have been focused on attracting developers to platforms like Android Auto and Android XR when the idea of a proper desktop mode for Android emerged. This new functionality is expected to mirror the capabilities found in other operating systems, allowing for resizable app windows that can be arranged freely on the screen without sacrificing user experience.
Inspired by Classic DeX
Reflecting on the advancements, Samsung introduced a “New DeX” mode with One UI 6.0 and Android 14, which has been described as a supercharged version of the standard interface. This iteration maintains the familiar home screen layout while allowing apps to open in resizable windows rather than occupying the full screen. It effectively merges DeX with One UI, accommodating a more dynamic workspace that can display multiple applications simultaneously.
However, early indications suggest that Google’s approach may not adopt the “New DeX” model, opting instead for a design inspired by the classic DeX experience. This decision is met with mixed feelings, as the New DeX, while innovative, had its own set of limitations. For instance, when connecting to an external monitor, users were restricted to mirroring the screen, which can be a significant drawback for those utilizing expansive setups, such as ultrawide monitors.
As the landscape of mobile technology continues to evolve, the possibility remains that Google may surprise users with a fully functional desktop mode. However, the uncertainty surrounding external display options leaves many questions unanswered. For now, the anticipation builds as we await further developments in this space.
