Samsung might be planning a redesign to its desktop mode, revealed in leaks coming from the One UI 8 beta. The shift in design might be to accommodate modifications in Android 16’s personal desktop mode.
Samsung has had a desktop mode in its telephones and tablets for a few years. Referred to as Samsung DeX (actually desktop expertise), it means you possibly can join your telephone to a monitor or TV to make use of it like desktop laptop. You get entry to all of your apps and providers, and when you’ve related a keyboard and mouse, you’ll have the ability to work on a bigger show.
Samsung tablets additionally provide the mode which you need to use on the Galaxy Tab itself both when connecting a keyboard, or simply on the pill as it’s.
The leak comes from DevOfIpos on X, sharing some screens from an early model of One UI 8. One of many first stuff you’ll discover is that there’s some similarity right here to the Android 16 desktop mode that we shared only recently.
The similarity comes all the way down to a set taskbar on the backside with centralized and pinned apps, the same apps tray, and navigation buttons on the toolbar. DeX then reveals standing icons over to the right-hand aspect of the taskbar, which is completely different to Android 16 desktop mode which appears to maintain them up high as an alternative.
Samsung DeX right here is nearer to the way in which Home windows is organized, together with a search possibility proper there on the taskbar. We get to see the search possibility open, saying that search will pull from apps, app content material and information in storage, however sadly doesn’t appear to increase to a full Google search too.
We will additionally see the fast settings popped up which look good and clickable for simple system management. We additionally get to see a few apps working in home windows, which is among the enticing options of desktop modes, so that you don’t continuously have to modify between apps.




What this actually factors to is Android getting a bit of extra critical about desktop modes. We’d seen a few of that on the Pixel Pill, nevertheless it seems like Android telephones might provide a greater desktop expertise when related to a monitor and which may additionally assist drive a few of Samsung DeX’s modifications.
Whereas Samsung DeX has been round for a very long time, it is smart for Samsung construct on Google’s work in core Android the place it could actually.
Android 16 is in growth and anticipated to disclose extra within the coming weeks as we hit Google I/O and The Android Present I/O Version that’s been scheduled, whereas Samsung One UI 8 is in growth it might launch on Android 16, probably when the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are launched in summer time 2025.
All of it suggests that you simply’ll be getting a greater desktop expertise this yr, regardless of which taste of Android telephone you employ.
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