Google Developing Minimise Option and Other Features for Desktop Mode on Android: Report

Google is speculated to be making efforts to develop its Android operating system (OS) into a more desktop-oriented experience for tablets in a bid to keep up with competitors such as Apple's iPad. It introduced a desktop windowing feature with the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 in September which enables users to apps simultaneously in free-form windows. A recent report suggests that the Mountain View-based technology giant is developing new functionalities, including an option to minimise windows and launch the same app in multiple windows, for the Desktop Mode on Android.

New Features for Desktop Mode

Android Authority's Mishaal Rahman highlighted the new features in development for the Desktop Mode on Android in a report. The publication suggests that Google is developing a new minimise option which may be added to the header bar. Tapping this option is speculated to minimise the window and it can be maximised by tapping the app's icon in the taskbar — an experience similar to the desktop platform.

The report further highlights that another option for opening a new window could be in development. It was reportedly referenced by Google in its blog post, stating that developers can set a multi-instance property to divulge that the “system UI should be shown for this app to allow it to be launched as multiple instances.”. This option is speculated to allow users to open a new instance of the app in another window when the desktop windowing feature is toggled.

However, both features are reported to be unavailable in the current builds of Android but the publication was able to activate them after fiddling with the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 release. The report hints at another feature for Chrome which Google detailed in the blog post but isn't live yet — a drag functionality. With this, users may be able to launch a tab in a new window by dragging it. As of now, it is said to be locked behind a Chrome flag.