Latest Google Pixel desktop mode revealed in new video as future Samsung DeX and Motorola Ready For alternative
The so-called Pixel desktop mode has been an awful long time coming. First spotted over a year ago after Google enabled DisplayPort Alt Mode functionality on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the mode has been kept in beta testing purgatory throughout Android 15 and Android 16 development.
A few months later, Mishaal Rahman highlighted an updated version hidden within Android 15 Beta 4.1. However, this turned out to be the underpinnings of new functionality that Google eventually brought to tablets like the Pixel Tablet (curr. $299 on Amazon) rather than as a dedicated Android desktop mode.
Then just last month, rumours reappeared that Google would be shipping its long-awaited desktop mode with Android 16. Now, Rahman has demonstrated the state of Google's Pixel 'Desktop View', which look far more polished than previous iterations. With that being said, Google's functionality is nowhere near the level of Samsung DeX or Motorola Ready For.
Nonetheless, Desktop View has a fully-fledged taskbar, drag-and-drop support between apps, window pinning and the split notification tray layout found across Google's large-screen Pixel devices. Unfortunately, Rahman now believes there is little chance that the feature will be ready for Android 16.
As it stands, he suggests there is an outside chance that Google could be preparing Desktop View for an Android 16 quarterly update. However, he now appears more resigned to the fact that Google will hold back the feature in Android 17, which is due to arrive in 2026.
Source(s)
