Android has been trying for years to achieve a level of functionality comparable to that of desktop operating systems. With the arrival of Android 16It seems Google is determined to take a more ambitious step in that direction. The idea of using a mobile phone as a desktop computer isn't entirely new, but important improvements are now emerging that could make it truly useful and accessible to more users.
Thanks to the advances that have been leaked in the different betas of this new version, we now have a clearer vision of what exactly the Android 16 desktop mode, what are its main new features, limitations and where this promising functionality is headed.
What is Android 16 desktop mode?
El desktop mode Android 16's Screen Mirroring feature is a feature that allows you to turn an Android phone or tablet into a computer-like environment when connected to an external display. This feature is a natural evolution of the screen mirroring capabilities found in previous versions and aims to offer a more complete, fluid, and productivity-oriented experience.
Until now, connecting an Android device to a monitor was usually just a matter of mirroring the phone's screen. However, with Android 16, the goal is separate and individualize each screen, allowing you to move the mouse cursor between them, open several independent windows and customize each environment differently.
One step further: real multitasking and desktop tools
One of the great new features of this version is the incorporation of floating windows and the ability to minimize applications without closing them completely. This is a huge improvement over previous versions, where closing a window often meant closing the app. Android 16 introduces a toolbar with minimize and restore buttons, which allows for management much more similar to that found in systems such as Windows or macOS.
Users will be able to have multiple applications open, minimize them, restore them when needed, and work simultaneously across screens. Additionally, icons and text can be resized on each connected display, allowing for better adaptation to the type of monitor in use.
Screen recording on the external display with the Android 16 desktop mode
Another highly anticipated feature coming with Android 16 is the ability to record the external screenUntil now, recording what was happening on a monitor connected via HDMI wasn't possible, and users were limited to capturing only the device's own screen. This limitation is removed thanks to Android 16.
When connecting an external display, the screen recording tool now offers three options: record a specific app, record the device's screen, or record the HDMI screen. The latter option opens the door to recording tutorials, presentations or work sessions in a much more visual and professional way. Video files are automatically stored in the same recording directory as usual, in the same format as if they were on the mobile screen.
Improvements to the interface and navigation between screens
Android 16 expands its capabilities with significant improvements in multi-screen management. You'll now be able to freely move the mouse cursor from one screen to another, something that was not possible before. In addition, the option of rearrange connected displays, to match the physical layout of the desktop.
These options are available within the developer tools, and although they are not enabled by default, they can be enabled through certain technical adjustments. Some developers have been able to test these features on models like the Pixel 8 Pro, achieving an experience very close to that of a real desktop system. Customizing the Work Environment
Android 16 also allows you to customize the user experience to suit your needs. Highlights include:
- Mirror or Extended Mode Configuration: being able to choose between duplicating the mobile screen or using the external screen as an additional desktop.
- Individual adjustment of the size of the elements: You can change the size of the text and icons on each screen separately.
- Preparing for frequency adjustments: Although it is not yet enabled, work is being done to also adapt the refresh rate to each connected monitor.
This makes Android 16 a more flexible and powerful tool designed to adapt to different types of work setups.
El Android 16 desktop mode is cDirect competition with Samsung DeX
Google is not a pioneer in this concept. Samsung has been developing DeX since 2017., a desktop interface that can be activated by connecting your phone to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Initially, it required a dock called DeX Station or DeX Pad, though it's now possible to use it wirelessly on models like the Galaxy Note 20.
However, DeX has been losing prominence and new features. Samsung has stopped manufacturing the related physical accessories, limiting its future evolution. Android 16 arrives with the idea of democratize this experience: Bring a native solution to all compatible devices without the need for additional applications or specific hardware.
Current limitations and future developments
Despite the improvements, desktop mode still has limitations. Many of its functions remain hidden in the developer options, which makes it difficult for the general public to use. Additionally, not all devices support USB-C video output, which is essential to activate desktop mode.
Even Google's own devices, like the Pixel, have been slow to include this capability. While Android 16 brings many improvements, crucial aspects still need to be polished such as the taskbar or the stability of floating windows.
Everything indicates that these new features will be refined in future versions of the operating system. Some experts point to Android 17 as the version that will finally consolidate desktop mode as a stable and accessible option for everyone.
Lock screen widgets: another interesting new feature
In parallel to desktop mode, Android 16 also introduces widgets on lock screen, which expands the device's customization possibilities even when it's locked. This feature, while not new to other systems, represents a further step toward making the device more useful from the first glance.
Developers will be able to use the same home screen widgets, as long as they meet certain quality and size guidelines. This feature is already being tested on Pixel Tablets and will be rolled out to more devices soon.
The arrival of Android 16 marks a key step in the journey to transform Android devices into more powerful productivity tools. Thanks to features like multi-window management, external screen recording, cross-screen navigation, and advanced customization, the operating system is getting closer to the experience of a traditional computer.
While there's still work to be done and many of these utilities are in the testing phase or under development, the truth is that the future of Android as a desktop system looks brighter than ever. Share the information so more users will know about the functionality..