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Recent leaks from the One UI 8 beta suggest that Samsung may be revamping its desktop mode. This redesign appears to align with enhancements in Android 16’s desktop functionality.
Samsung has integrated a desktop mode in its smartphones and tablets for quite some time, known as Samsung DeX (short for Desktop Experience). This feature allows users to connect their device to a monitor or TV, enabling a desktop-like experience. With a keyboard and mouse attached, users can access all apps and services on a larger screen.
Samsung’s tablets also support this mode, allowing you to utilize it either by connecting a keyboard or directly on the tablet itself.
According to a leak from DevOfIpos on X, early visuals from One UI 8 show some design features reminiscent of Android 16’s desktop mode. A noticeable aspect is the presence of a fixed taskbar at the bottom with centered apps and a similar app tray. The navigation buttons are situated on the toolbar, while Samsung DeX displays status icons on the right side of the taskbar, which contrasts with the top placement seen in Android 16’s design.
The layout of Samsung DeX draws parallels to Windows, complete with a search function right on the taskbar. The search capability appears to include information from apps, app content, and files stored on the device, although it doesn’t seem to extend to broader Google searches.
The quick settings panel also appears in a user-friendly format, making device management simpler. Additionally, the interface supports running multiple apps in separate windows, a hallmark of desktop modes, allowing users to switch less frequently between applications.
This information indicates Android’s increasing emphasis on desktop modes. Some improvements have already surfaced on the Pixel Tablet, but it seems that Android phones could soon provide a more robust desktop experience when linked to an external display, potentially influencing updates to Samsung DeX.
While Samsung DeX has been part of their ecosystem for years, the collaboration with Google allows Samsung to enhance its desktop functionalities where it can.
With Android 16 currently in development, more details are anticipated in the coming weeks during events such as Google I/O. Simultaneously, the rollout of One UI 8 may coincide with the launches of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, expected in the summer of 2025.
Overall, this suggests that a superior desktop experience will be available to Android users this year, regardless of device.
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