Google Teases A Desktop-Style Android Experience To Rival Samsung DeX
Google also used the announcement to signal a broader ambition: turning Android into a flexible operating system that spans multiple form factors.
At its I/O 2025 developer conference, Google offered a first look at a game-changing feature coming to Android 16 — a new desktop mode designed to transform smartphones into full-fledged computing devices when connected to an external display. The preview hinted at an experience remarkably similar to Samsung’s DeX, but with Google’s signature touch of ecosystem integration and developer flexibility.
Florina Muntenescu, an engineering manager at Google, revealed that the company is building on Samsung’s groundwork: “We’re working with Samsung to improve the multitasking experience on Android,” she said, suggesting a collaborative evolution rather than mere imitation.
A Familiar Layout with Fresh Capabilities
During a live demo, attendees saw a sleek interface that mimicked the look and feel of a traditional PC. Popular apps like Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, and Google Photos were neatly arranged on a bottom taskbar — much like Windows or ChromeOS. Meanwhile, system indicators such as Wi-Fi and battery icons remained accessible at the top-right, and the clock settled on the top-left, bringing a touch of desktop familiarity to Android.
But the standout feature is the introduction of adaptive apps, which allow users to move and resize windows freely. These aren’t static mobile screens blown up to fit a monitor — they behave more like traditional desktop apps, creating opportunities for true multitasking. With Android 16, app behavior will be less dependent on screen orientation and fixed aspect ratios, thanks to upcoming API changes.
Beyond Phones: A Vision for Cross-Device Android
Google also used the announcement to signal a broader ambition: turning Android into a flexible operating system that spans multiple form factors. A blog post following the event explained that Android 16 will optimise app performance across a growing range of devices — from tablets and foldables to Chromebooks, connected cars, and even wearables in mixed reality environments.
This new desktop mode is not just a niche feature; it's part of a larger push to reimagine what Android can be in a multi-device world. With developers being encouraged to make apps more responsive and modular, Google is laying the foundation for a future where your Android phone can double as your main computer, with no compromises.
How Does It Compare to Samsung DeX?
Samsung's DeX, introduced in 2017, allows Galaxy users to plug their phone into a monitor and interact via a desktop-like UI with mouse and keyboard support. While DeX has matured significantly over the years, Google’s upcoming solution builds directly into Android itself, offering a more standardized, universal experience across brands and devices, potentially reducing fragmentation and developer overhead.
The new desktop mode is expected to debut officially with the Android 16 rollout later this year. With Google’s backing and cross-device ambitions, this could be Android’s most PC-like transformation yet.
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