Google is testing a new “desktop windowing” feature for Android tablets, bringing a desktop-like experience with dynamic multitasking to the mobile platform. This feature, currently available as a developer preview in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, allows users to freely resize and move app windows, making it easier to run and manage multiple apps simultaneously.
The desktop windowing feature lets users open multiple app windows simultaneously and even launch more than one instance of the same app. For example, users can open two browser windows with different web pages, offering greater flexibility and productivity on larger screens. A taskbar appears at the bottom of the screen, showing running apps and pinned favorites. In contrast, each app window comes with controls to maximize, close, or reposition it — similar to what users experience on desktop operating systems like Windows or macOS.
This new feature brings Android tablets closer to the functionality of desktop PCs, much like Apple’s Stage Manager for iPads or Samsung’s DeX mode. With this feature, Android tablet users will no longer be limited to full-screen apps or rigid layouts. Instead, they can layer, overlap, or place app windows side-by-side, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
While earlier versions of Android did allow for split-screen multitasking, the new windowing feature offers much more freedom by removing layout constraints and giving users full control over how their apps are displayed. Google’s move reflects a growing emphasis on improving Android for tablets and larger-screen devices, a space dominated by the iPad for years.
For now, the desktop windowing feature is only available in the developer preview for Pixel Tablets, and Google has not announced when it will roll out to all users. However, this new development could mark a significant upgrade for Android tablets, making them more powerful tools for productivity and creativity. The feature is still being refined, but it shows promise in easily transforming tablets into versatile, PC-like devices that can handle complex multitasking.
Sara Sheehan is a talented software engineer with a passion for exploring various tech topics. She has a strong expertise in web development, software development, and digital marketing, continually expanding her knowledge in these areas. Sara is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech industry, always seeking out new challenges and opportunities to grow her skill set.