Google is finally building its own DeX

Google Is Finally Building Its Own DeX: First Look at Android's Desktop Mode

After years of waiting, Google is officially working on a native desktop mode for Android — a feature that could revolutionize how we use our smartphones. Similar to Samsung DeX, this mode transforms an Android phone into a PC-like experience when connected to an external display. With the arrival of Android 14 QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) and more prominently in Android 15 Developer Previews, the vision is becoming clearer — and it’s exciting.

🧠 What Is Android’s Desktop Mode?

Android’s desktop mode is designed to let users run apps in windowed form on a large screen, complete with:

A start menu-like launcher

Resizable and draggable windows

Multi-monitor support (in development)

Mouse and keyboard compatibility

It's not a simple screen mirroring tool. It's a true second-screen interface, much like what Samsung DeX, Huawei EMUI Desktop, or Motorola Ready For have offered — but now directly from Google.

🔍 What's New in Google's Native Desktop Mode?

Here’s what developers and testers have discovered so far:

✅ 1. Real Windowed Mode

Apps now open in fully resizable windows with borders, close/maximize buttons, and full title bars. The user can snap them to edges, move them freely, or run multiple apps side-by-side — a significant upgrade over Android's traditional multitasking.

✅ 2. Taskbar and App Launcher

There’s a Windows-like taskbar at the bottom of the screen showing running apps, time, and quick controls. You can open an app drawer, much like ChromeOS or traditional desktops.

✅ 3. Enhanced Input Support

Bluetooth or USB keyboards and mice are supported with desktop-style behavior. Right-clicking works, keyboard shortcuts are enabled, and you can alt-tab between apps.

✅ 4. Multi-Display Support (Experimental)

In developer flags, there's evidence of multi-monitor support, allowing different apps or windows to run on multiple displays — just like a desktop computer.

✅ 5. Separate Phone and Desktop Views

You can continue using your phone independently while the desktop UI is active on an external display — running different apps on both screens.

📱 How Do You Use It?

Right now, activating Android’s desktop mode requires a few steps:

A phone running Android 14 QPR or Android 15 Beta.

USB-C to HDMI adapter or wireless display support (like Miracast).

Enabling developer flags such as:

desktop_mode (in Developer Options)

enable_freeform_support

And some shell commands (adb shell am start -n ...)

This setup is not ready for casual users yet, but it gives developers and OEMs the tools to test and optimize for the experience.

💼 Who Benefits from This?

Mobile Professionals: Imagine docking your phone at a workstation and using full-screen Gmail, Google Docs, or even Microsoft Office.

Students: Use your phone for presentations, assignments, and multitasking on a monitor with a keyboard and mouse.

Developers & Tinkerers: Build and test apps for a new kind of Android experience.

🔮 What’s Next?

Google is likely to showcase the fully-baked desktop mode at Google I/O 2025, possibly alongside the Pixel 9 or Pixel Fold 2. It may eventually tie into ChromeOS or Fuchsia for seamless cross-device experiences.

We may also see better app optimizations, tighter integration with Android tablets, and perhaps even a universal docking accessory.

🧩 Conclusion: A True Desktop Future for Android

Google’s desktop mode could be the biggest change to Android since multi-window multitasking. It's still in testing, but the potential is huge: a single device that acts as your phone, your tablet, and your computer.

As Google continues polishing the experience, we’re inching closer to a world where your phone is your computer — no compromises.