Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 brings support for connected external displays
Users can run independent sessions or extend desktops across screens
Multiple desktop support with gestures and shortcuts has been added
Google smartphones, including Pixel 9, are currently receiving the Android 16 update
Google on Tuesday released the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 update. It brings several new features which improve the Android desktop experience with connected displays, performance of desktop viewing, and enhance multitasking. With support for connected displays, users can expand their workspace and extend the desktop session across multiple screens when a desktop windowing enabled device is connected to an external screen. The update also carries new features like flexible window tiling, multiple desktops, enhanced app compatibility treatments, and multi-instance management.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 New Features
According to Google's release notes, the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 update builds upon the Beta 1 update that was rolled out last month. One of the most notable additions is support for connected displays. The Mountain View-based tech giant states that this feature improves upon the existing desktop windowing experience by enabling users to start a new desktop session on an external screen by connecting a supported Android smartphone or tablet. The external display operates independently and the apps are specific to the screen.
Google notes that this experience is similar to a traditional desktop, with a taskbar that shows the currently running and pinned apps for quick access. Further, users can simultaneously run multiple apps side-by-side in resizable windows on the connected external screen.
Alternatively, users can also choose to extend their current workspace to the connected display. In this case, the two screens are claimed to function as a single system, allowing users to freely move app windows, content, and the cursor between the displays.
In addition to support for connected displays, the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 update adds flexible window tiling, improving the multitasking experience with more intuitive options. Google says users can arrange multiple app windows in various configurations, such as side-by-side, making it easier to work on a larger screen. Additionally, it allows them to set up multiple desktop sessions and switch between them with keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures, and Overview.
The new compatibility treatments in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 aim to ensure that legacy apps behave normally and have a better appearance by default on connected screens for an improved out-of-the-box experience. Users can also manage multiple instances of supporting applications via the app header button of taskbar context menu.
Lastly, the latest Android 16 Beta update brings desktop persistence which means Android can maintain better window sizes, positions and states across multiple desktops. Users can set up their preferred workspace once and restore it across different sessions, as per the company.
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