multitasking experience Archives

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Android 17: Google Finally Brought This Useful Trick to Every App

Google's Android 17 Beta has introduced an expanded "bubble" feature that allows users to activate the bubble format for nearly all applications, enhancing multitasking capabilities. This feature can be enabled by long-pressing an app icon and selecting the bubble option, allowing apps to appear in floating bubbles that can be resized and repositioned. Users can manage multiple bubble apps simultaneously. The update is being distributed to testers on devices including the Pixel 10, Pixel 6 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet, with a final release expected in June. Samsung is also expected to integrate this feature into its One UI for enhanced multitasking on Galaxy devices.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 Beta 3 finally brings the desktop multitasking we’ve been waiting for

Android 17 Beta 3 introduces significant multitasking capabilities with the Bubbles system, allowing users to run applications in floating windows. Screen recording features a floating control panel for editing, sharing, and deleting recordings. Quick Settings have been simplified with distinct toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. This beta version is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, with finalized SDK and NDK APIs for developers. The Bubbles system allows users to open apps in floating windows, and enhancements for foldable devices include dragging icons for better multitasking. Users can now disable dark mode for individual apps, and privacy features include adaptive password visibility based on input methods and a new Location Button for temporary location access.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Google rolling out Android 17 Beta 3 for Pixel

Google has released Android 17 Beta 3, introducing Platform Stability, which finalizes internal and external APIs and app-facing behaviors for developers. Key enhancements include full activation of bubbles for multitasking, a redesigned screen recording toolbar, customizable photo picker grid view, support for 14-bit per pixel RAW images, vendor-defined camera extensions, Bluetooth LE audio hearing aids, reduced wakelocks for idle alarms, a system-provided location button, post-quantum cryptography hybrid signing, widget support on external displays, desktop interactive picture-in-picture, VPN app exclusion settings, and dynamic system font fallback. Feedback can be submitted through the Android Beta Feedback tool, and system images are available for various Pixel devices.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

How to get an early taste of Android’s next-gen multitasking magic

Google plans to introduce a new multitasking experience in Android in 2026, featuring a Bubbles system for improved interaction with multiple applications. Samsung has implemented a similar floating window feature in its latest Android software. The Overlays app allows users to create widget-based Bubbles on any Android device, while the Panels app provides easy access to the app drawer with a swipe, enhancing navigation and multitasking. These developments indicate a trend towards more intuitive and efficient digital interactions on Android devices.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Android 16 Makes Split Screen Easier on Smaller Screens

The introduction of App Pairs in Android 15 allowed users to select two applications for split-screen usage and add a shortcut to the home screen. However, users with smaller devices faced challenges with the 50:50 split-screen ratio. Android 16 improved this by offering flexible split-screen ratios like 70:30 and 90:10, enhancing the multitasking experience. Users can set up a pairing of applications, such as Chrome and Gemini, with one app occupying 90% of the screen. To create an App Pair, users open the desired applications, access the multitasking view, select the split-screen option, and adjust the ratio by dragging the handle. After setting the preferred view, users can save the app pair for easy access, with the system remembering the last used split-screen ratio.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

Windows 11 Pro is down to $9.97 (if you’re still running Windows 10)

As of October 2025, Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, meaning users will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes. Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from .99, offering users an opportunity to upgrade without new hardware. The new operating system features a refined interface, enhanced voice typing, advanced desktop management, and robust security measures such as TPM 2.0 and biometric sign-in options. Windows 11 Pro also supports DirectX 12 Ultimate for improved gaming performance and includes features like BitLocker encryption and Windows Sandbox for professionals. Transitioning to Windows 11 Pro is essential for maintaining system integrity and security after the end of Windows 10 support.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Gemini will let you keep working in other apps as it processes your request

In 2025, many users have adopted Gemini, Google's tool for enhancing mobile device functionality. The Gemini overlay allows quick access but currently locks users into a session when activated, requiring a restart for each interaction. Google is developing an improved multitasking experience in the beta version of the Google Android app (16.51.52.sa.arm64), which will enable users to navigate away from the overlay without losing their session. This new functionality allows users to initiate queries through the overlay while returning to previous apps, receiving notifications when results are ready. The anticipated changes aim to enhance user experience by fostering smoother interactions between apps and Gemini, though these features are still in development and not guaranteed for final release.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

5 Windows apps to install first on a new PC and what each one does for you

Every new Windows laptop presents a pristine interface, but users often encounter frustrations such as locating files, cumbersome multitasking, and needing assistance with certain formats. A curated selection of applications can streamline the user experience significantly. 1) Microsoft PowerToys enhances multitasking with features like FancyZones for window arrangement, batch renaming files, resizing images, and customizing keyboard shortcuts. 2) Everything by Voidtools simplifies the search process on Windows, allowing users to find files instantly with just a few letters typed. 3) 7 Zip manages zipped folders and unconventional formats, offering features for compressing, splitting files, and securing documents with passwords. 4) Bitwarden centralizes passwords and notes, providing a single sign-in and autofill feature that syncs across devices, helping users avoid weak password reuse. 5) SumatraPDF is a lightweight PDF reader that opens documents quickly and supports epub and mobi files, serving as a basic eBook reader. These applications alleviate daily annoyances on Windows and prioritize functionality over aesthetics.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

2026 needs to be the year Samsung fixes the Galaxy Z Flip’s cover screen

Samsung plans to enhance camera technology, develop a custom chipset, and innovate its foldable devices for 2026. Users of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 are requesting improvements to the cover screen, specifically a unified app drawer experience, as the current setup requires reliance on the Good Lock app, leading to two separate app drawers. There is also a demand for better multitasking capabilities on the 4.1-inch cover screen, allowing for more flexible screen space allocation and easier access to recent apps. Additionally, users want the ability to customize widgets and settings directly from the cover screen without opening the phone, which would improve functionality and user satisfaction.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

Android on tablets is eyeing an upgrade that could finally ease app multi-tasking

Google is enhancing multitasking on Android tablets by introducing a feature that allows users to launch any app in a floating bubble. This feature, identified in the Android 2510 Canary build, enables users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to open it in a floating bubble window. It facilitates simultaneous use of applications like YouTube, Chrome, or Messages, improving workflow. Although not officially confirmed, it is speculated to be included in Android 16’s third quarterly release (QPR3) around March of next year. The floating bubbles feature enhances productivity by allowing users to stream, chat, or browse while engaged in other tasks, offering a more efficient alternative to split-screen mode. It is integrated into the taskbar and home screen for a more intuitive experience. This capability could transform Android tablets into effective multitasking devices, allowing users to manage multiple tasks without switching between apps and optimizing screen space on smaller tablets.