Google is working on new features to improve desktop mode on Android: report

There is speculation that Google is making efforts to evolve its Android operating system (OS) into a more desktop-oriented experience for tablets, in an effort to keep up with competitors such as Apple’s iPad. It introduced a desktop window feature in September with the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, allowing users to simultaneously run apps in freeform windows. A recent report suggests that the Mountain View-based tech giant is developing new features, including an option to minimize windows and launch the same app in multiple windows, for Desktop Mode on Android.

New features for desktop mode

Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman highlighted the new features in development for desktop mode on Android in one report. The publication suggests that Google is developing a new minimize option that may be added to the header bar. It is speculated that tapping this option will minimize the window and it can be maximized by tapping the app’s icon in the taskbar – an experience similar to the desktop platform.

The report further highlights that another option for opening a new window could be in development. It was reportedly referenced by Google in its blog post, which stated that developers can set a multi-instance property to reveal the “system UI for this app to be displayed so it can be launched as multi-instance.” . It is speculated that this option will allow users to open a new instance of the app in a different window when the desktop window feature is toggled.

However, both features are reported to be unavailable in current builds of Android, but the publication was able to activate them after fiddling with the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 release. The report points to another feature for Chrome that Google detailed in the blog post but isn’t live yet: a drag-and-drop feature. This may allow users to open a tab in a new window by dragging it. As of now, it is said to be locked behind a Chrome flag.