Google is gearing as much as launch its subsequent main launch of the Android cellular working system, Android 15, this yr. Codenamed as Vanilla Ice Cream, Android 15 is ready to deliver vital enhancements to gadget safety, app optimisations for cameras, GPUs, shows, and AI, and a number of recent user-focussed options. A brand new report claims that the following main Android launch may also characteristic a revamped desktop mode expertise.
The Android OS already features a desktop mode — first launched in Android 10 — however the expertise has left a lot to be desired, particularly on the consumer aspect. The Android desktop mode lacks just a few fundamental options that will enable customers to seamlessly handle a number of home windows. In accordance with a report from Android Authority, Android 15 is ready to usher in main enhancements to the desktop mode, bringing a consumer expertise akin to Home windows or MacOS on computer systems.
The report, based mostly on the desktop mode expertise extracted from Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 replace, particulars new options of the improved mode coming to Android 15. In accordance with the findings, window administration within the new desktop mode will probably be a way more fluid expertise, with customers getting the flexibility to resize and transfer round app home windows freely.
In a video of the desktop mode expertise shared within the report, one can see full display screen app home windows with an choices bar at prime, which when tapped or clicked reveals a compact menu that enables customers to entry the window in full-screen, split-screen or freeform modes. In freeform mode, the app window may be freely moved round, resized and snapped to the sides of the display screen. The app window additionally contains maximise and shut buttons and a dropdown icon for accessing window mode choices.
These, nevertheless, are usually not sufficient to switch the standard desktop expertise. Whereas a number of home windows may be managed seamlessly, there isn’t any taskbar but. Many different important desktop options are nonetheless lacking, as effectively. There is no official world from Google on when its enhanced desktop mode will launch, however one can count on the mode to launch with Android 15 later this yr.
Final week, a report claimed that Android 15 might include redesigned standing bar icons and haptic suggestions for the fast settings menu buttons. Standing bar icons on Android have remained largely unchanged for a decade.
One other report final month had mentioned that the Android 15 replace would deliver a brand new HQ button on the webcam mode for Pixel telephones, permitting customers to activate a high-quality mode for webcam video. The webcam mode launched on Pixel telephones enables you to use your Android telephone as a webcam.
