Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 new desktop mode revealed as future Samsung DeX alternative

Last month, the likes of Android Authority and 9to5Google discovered that Google had enabled DisplayPort Alt Mode functionality on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (curr. $749 on Amazon) as of Android 14 Beta QPR3 Beta 2. As we discussed at the time, the activation of a feature that the company had previously actively disabled looked like an early sign that it was taking its undeveloped desktop mode more seriously. For reference, Google added a desktop mode to Android 10 but has done little with it since.

Now, Android Authority has demonstrated Google's updated desktop mode. While the video embedded below is dubbed an 'Android 15 desktop mode demo', the video is actually of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 that Google published earlier this week. It is also worth noting that this model will not currently work by default in the latest Android 14 beta build. Instead, Android Authority states that it required 'a bit of tinkering' to get its desktop mode working. Unfortunately, the website has not revealed what changes it made within Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 to achieve the results below.

Nonetheless, Google's desktop mode remains rudimentary at best and offers fewer features than Samsung DeX. As it stands, it seems that Google has been working to improve window management with freeform window support, among other changes. However, Android Authority notes that desktop mode within Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 lacks many common keyboard shortcuts, as well as a conventional desktop launcher or universal drag-and-drop support. Either way, it appears that Google is preparing to introduce a more robust desktop mode later this year with Android 15, possibly to coincide with the releases of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.