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Multi Window Support for Android Spotted in AOSP Code

Multi-Window Support for Android Spotted in AOSP Code

By Ketan Pratap | Updated: 11 March 2015 17:26 IST

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Multi-window support has been one of the features that have been missing from Google's stock Android versions; though OEMs such as Samsung had the feature for a while now. It seems Google is all set to acknowledge this in its next Android build, hints a framework code commit in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) source code.

The AOSP framework code commit (via Phandroid) includes references to "multiwindow" support; though details about the functionality are limited. Going by what's visible in the AOSP source code, multi-window support is disabled and is likely to be enabled alongside the next major Android build release. Notably, the codes from AOSP are dated from January 27 and are being managed by Craig Mautner, who is currently Senior Software Engineer at Google. We can expect more details about the multi-window support for Android to emerge doing Google's I/O event scheduled for May.

For the uninitiated, multi-window support lets users perform multiple tasks on one screen, such as taking notes or browsing the Web while watching a video.

Google earlier this week announced the Android 5.1 Lollipop update, the first major update to Android Lollipop. The company introduced some features such as support for multiple SIM cards, Device Protection and HD voice for compatible devices with the update. The multiple SIM support seems to be primarily targeted at Android One devices.

The built-in Device Protection makes sure the device is locked when lost or stolen, until signed-in using a Google account. It's worth noting that the Device Protection once enabled requires a Google account sign-in even if someone resets the device to factory settings. The Android 5.1 Lollipop update also brings high definition voice calling on the mobile phone. The HD voice calling will be available only on compatible Android 5.1 devices.

Soon after announcing the Android 5.1 update, Google started pushing Android 5.1 factory images for Nexus devices. Google, apart from factory images, also started uploading source code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

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Further reading: Android, Google, Multi Window Support

Ketan Pratap

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Ketan Pratap is the Editor at Gadgets 360. His primary role - debugging the tech hype, benchmarking the future, and compiling it all into precise news, features or reviews. He has spent over 14 years calling out vaporware and identifying the best tech. He’s your guide for everything from chipsets to smart-home meltdowns. When his own batteries are low, he heads for the hills—literally. He’s someone who prefers a remote mountain pass, appreciating a 12,000-foot view that no VR ...More