As a DeX Daily Driver it makes me very happy to see Google pushing this tech. I'm always terrified Samsung is gonna give up on the tech and I'll have to migrate to a new system or drop a chunk on a Galaxy Book; the integration of phone and computer that DeX gives is a killer productivity feature for me. Glad to see Google pouring some money on the metaphorical fire.
Well trusting Google on a feature is not a good idea as they tend to deprecate stuff randomly but hopefully more companies join this trend on their mobile phones.
It's worth remembering that from the very start Google has artificially limited the capability of the pixel phones by disabling alt DP mode on their phones Meanwhile dex has been a thing for over a decade
There's always the Chinese. Huawei's Desktop Mode is almost as polished as Dex (lacks that last bit of polish in multi-window snapping on external displays, but you get multi-device multi-cam and shared internal galleries and notes via wifi), and Xiaomi is starting to explore desktop style applications as well as tap to sync phone mirroring and remote control.
I didn't expect Google will release this feature but finally they did it (even though it's beta). This might change my mind about getting S23/S24 ultra. Hopefully they will polish more on desktop mode. It's still kind of barebone right now
Google has a positive working relationship with Samsung. IMHO Google doesn't want to cannibalize Samsung's sales with its own competitor. Pixel 8 (not Pro) also has the settings at least for Desktop mode. Haven't tried out ETAP's steps yet.
I have had a Samsung with dex before and I kinda miss the feature when I got my curren phone (xperia 1 V) and at the time was considering the S23 just because if this feature. If this trickel down to my device I'll wouldn't feel miss out as much as I do now anymore
Phones with desktop mode are the future for most people and may replace the home PC for most use cases. One device to rule them all. Super glad to see a DeX alternative! I have a 7 Pro and hope this is available for me as well.
You should check out Motorola Ready For. 2 years ago it was actually superior to Dex. Not sure about now in 2024 if Samsung Dex finally caught up to Ready For.
Me too. I want to see if I can use a chromebook's screen as the monitor, too. That way if I want to watch something when away from home, I don't have to hotspot it. I find hotspot speeds get degraded over what comes directly to the phone.
The problem is that Google is trying to move everything in house. Tensor is only being helped by Samsung because Mediatek isn't American, and Qualcomm is what Google is trying to escape.
After using Dex and Ready For I can definitely say that it's not ready yet for productivity works, apart from emergency edits. Using a Chromebook tablet is much more convenient (for example intuitive mouse use and multi browser-windows). It will take one or a few years more until we get a true desktop experience on smartphones. The simplest and fastest solution would be to have a ChromeOS vm on Android, as Android now has built in virtualization framework. The radical solution is a Chromephone that would make it a swiss knife phone: an Android phone, an Android tablet, a Chromebook and a Linux machine at the same time.
I was going to object to that, because I use desktop mode on a daily basis for office work... but that mouse issue is a killer. I've actually gotten online desktop FPSs like Counterstrike to run through browser containers, but there's just no getting around the difference in mouse click handling between Android and Windows.
@@davidtugyi4536 Motorola. Eta Prime did a video on it. Look for his video on TH-cam ”This Can Replace Your Desktop PC! This New 4K Android PC Mode Is Fast”
This is awesome, this is exactly what I've been wanting from Pixel. Desktop, gaming, and smartphone stuff all in one compact and powerful device. Our phones have so much power that most people don't take advantage of, this is a great way to get more outta these pocket computers.
I used to use Taskbar on various different phones and I usually set it to left side vertical, like on Ubuntu, it goes to the edge of the screen like it supposed to, and takes up less vertical screen real estate that is more valuable in landscape mode.
Usb C video out is nice. I think every phone should have that. If you enable force desktop in secondary display and simulate a display you can get that on any android. But to access that display the only way I know is with scrcpy using --display=1 command the number change every time you simulate a new display and reset to 1 after reboot .
Video output (basic screen mirroring) has been around since atleast Android 4 so nothing new dude... Just Google disabeled it on their own devices. It worked with microUSB to HDMI. Desktop mode however should NOT be on cheap devices because that experience would end up beeing laggy. It does require a bit of power to run a totally seperate desktop on an external screen
I've just bought my pixel 8 pro. Upgreading from samsung note 10 plus. I was worried about not having dex...and here i am watching your video, smiling like some crazy maniac XD
I just use scrcpy on my 7 pro, as anyone could with any android phone. that does require you to have a PC already in-place, but im not too sure how many people have an empty setup with just a monitor and kbm sitting around.
It already is. Android has it since 8. It's just stupid Google didn't give dp out on any of their phones until now. If anything though lineageOS featured it. You enabled it just like he did in the video.
This IS stock Android...🤦♂️ And Google has been very slow to copy desktop mode. 7 years after Samsung they finally manage to bring a beta that has huge flaws🤦♂️ And basic screen mirroring has been a thing since atleast Android 4.. Just that Google seem to have disabeled it on their own devices for some stupid reason🤦♂️🤣
@@TheTheShizzlerNo, it's not.. Desktop mode has never been a stock Android feature. Screen mirroring however has been around since arlwast Android 4 days.. Except on Google Pixel etc because Google disabeled it on their own devices
I'd love to see a demo of this using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app that's available in the app store. It might be kind of cool to see how well this works as a "thin client" running off a proper windows computer to get more functionality.
Samsung had me switch to them around the S10 because Dex. 5g with cloud services and Dex truly opened up a jack of all trades option for a phone. And when iphone with the XR it still had lcd and Samsubg already had clean oled designed displays.
Thanks for the video. Have been getting annoyed with all the make pretend ETA channels biting your style lately and it's good to see a vid that was super relevant to what I was looking for that's actually from your channel today.
I'm glad pixel users are getting what us dex users have been enjoying. But Google is pulling an apple on us. This should've been a thing long time, along with rest of dex features.
The pixel 9 will likely be my next phone, so I’m glad to see google is adding this functionality! Dex mode on samsung devices is absolutely unmatched; I hope google keeps adding to this
Finally, there's a stock app launcher built right into the secondary monitor desktop mode, for the 3rd party apps being just optional. It works really great on my Pixel 8, although minimizing the apps causes them to show up cut on the phone's screen itself. This can hopefully be fixed in the upcoming feature drops. I can definitely see this as a replacement for a streaming box. I managed to get it only to 1080p because of the USB-C cable's limits I had laying around. Any other cables just warned me the screen mirroring wasn't possible.
No, desktop mode would be horrible on a cheap device. But screen mirroring has been a standard feature since around Android 4 days atleast. Just google disabeled it on their own phones🤦♂️🤣
Question. I have the taskbar app downloaded and have enabled desktop mode as well as all the necessary developer options, as you detailed. At 3:30 you said "...once we have taskbar enabled". Once the phone is plugged in to the dock and the single app drawer button is visible, how do you enable the taskbar? I do not see an option to have the taskbar show up.
Enabling Taskbar on Pixel 8 Pro Unfortunately, the Taskbar feature is not natively available on the Pixel 8 Pro or any other Google Pixel device. The search results provided suggest that the Taskbar is designed for tablets and foldables, and it’s not a standard feature for smartphones like the Pixel 8 Pro. However, some users have experimented with adjusting the UI density to emulate a tablet-like experience, which can trigger the Taskbar. To do this: Enable Developer options on your Pixel 8 Pro: Go to Settings > System > System update Tap Build number seven times to unlock Developer options Adjust the UI density: Go to Settings > System > Developer options Scroll down to “Display” or “Window” settings (the exact option might vary) Adjust the “Minimum width” or “Density” setting to 600dp (or higher) Note that this is an experimental workaround and may not work on all devices or apps. You may experience issues with touch targets, Gboard layout, and app interfaces. Keep in mind that this is not an official method to enable the Taskbar on the Pixel 8 Pro, and it’s not recommended for daily use. The Taskbar is designed for larger screens and may not provide an optimal experience on a smartphone. If you’re looking for alternative ways to manage your apps and multitasking on the Pixel 8 Pro, you can explore other features like: Split-screen view (long-press the Recent apps button and drag an app to the edge of the screen) Picture-in-picture mode (enable in Settings > Apps & notifications > Special app access > Picture-in-picture mode) Google’s built-in multitasking features, such as the “Recent apps” shade and “Overview” mode Remember to always use caution when experimenting with Developer options and adjusting system settings, as it may affect your device’s stability and performance.
All we need is Google to figure out taskbar and we'll get a nice desktop mode fit for all Android devices running Android 15 and above. Definitely worth the Android update. Still OnePlus Open Canvas is probably a better multitasking feature for touch screen devices. Pretty unique IMO.
This is what I've been waiting for for so long! The only issue is I have a pixel 7... They should make the desktop experience more like chrome os, that would be the best of both worlds.
Horsepower. I have a S21, and our TH-camr here or someone else showed DEX on a S24 something. My S21 didn't have all those features. You might get something, but doubt you will get everything. They want the experience to be pleasant. If they don't think it will be they may not allow certain features.
2:22 I'm not getting this mirror request dialog after opting into beta, enabling several desktop related mode, and plugging the USB-C cable into Pixel directly and indirectly via the dock. I have tried rebooting Pixel and still not getting the mirror request dialog. What now?
I got a Pixel 9 Pro XL this week, mainly because I got it FREE (just sales tax and activation fee) and luckily was able to do that and keep my old phone, a Samsung S21 Ultra, this was important as I use DEX DAILY when I'm getting ready in the morning to run multiple apps at the same time and losing this function would make it a HELL NO on the "upgrade", I am glad to see Google making moves toward a Dex like interface as I would love to do that Dex like system with something with even more RAM so I could do more things at the same time.
My internet service went out a few days ago, and I used Samsung Dex to get my Uni homework done. It was a great experience. I only wish Dex supported multiple screens, but I am happy because this has been the exact reason why I got a samsung phone, to use Dex when I cant use my PC.
Good to know Android Q ( 10 ) had desktop mod too , but I guess they never released it publicly at final version You can find videos about it , in beta stage
Great video, thank you for showing this new feature. Questin: during running on the beta version, did you fase any issues with ooher app installed on yout Pixel phone?
I have already said that this is the Average Consumer PC experience in the future. Then everybody say "ah Gaming, ah Working" blah blah blah. The *average consumer* just needs a computing device and a larger monitor to work simply and effectively.
I've done this once long time ago with Android 10 on a realme phone by screen casting to my laptop with those developer options turned on and it worked
This was what was holding me back from buying the pixel fold. So if they add this in the new pixel fold then i don't need to rely on samsung dex. Dex has been extremely convienent at times.
weill, it's better than nothing, but they could do this much better. Why not just integerate ChromeOS and start it when an external display is connected? It would be so much better to have a real desktop browser with plugins instead of the resized mobile browser.
Oeh.. it's still very limited, I bope they make a nice interface, And I really hope they will support native icon packs support. So I can make a nice desktop ❤ took them way too long but I'm glad they finally are focusing on this. A lot of students will be happy! ❤
So can you do it seamlessly like dex? Being able to cast it wireless to a tablet? I would like to see how this will be in the coming months. Good job, Google 👍
I've done this with my pixel 4, although you still need some kind of computer. But by simulating a secondary display with the desktop options enabled, you can use scrcpy and display the second screen. With this I've been able to play modded minecraft with pojav on my school laptop while still being completely powered by my phone.
I know not enough people want this for it to be implemented, but it would be really nice if I could have real linux on the USB-C out but keep android on my phone. I am sure it's possible to bodge something, but I would love for a seamless solution as opposed to 'dock, start termux, run random command, mount something, switch to a vnc client, connect to localhost'
Great ideas. Could you suggest some amazon links to Dock stations with stands that would work with Pixel 8 pro. Can't seem to find the one in your video.
Hi ETA prime, please list out all the devices that supports Desktop mode. I think for a mobile device that has desktop mode feature is a plus point when buying one. Great sharing.
Looks like the only other ones are from Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei. That lost comes from NexDock which says it is compatible with all phones featuring Desktop Mode and lists all of them.
@@schubajo - LG flagships also had a desktop mode, called Screen+. That's not much help to anyone looking at new phones seeing as how LG doesn't make phones anymore; but, they're a solid Galaxy alternative for anyone on a budget looking at used and old stock new phones.
Desktop mode for Pixel... Many other Android manufactures copied Samsung's Dex from 2017 and the basic video out (screen mirroring) feature has been around since atleast Android 4. Except on google's own devices because they disabeled it.
Very great video and showcased the upcoming features with the Pixel 8 - sometime I´m very interested in the USB-C Docking you´re using, can you add some links where it can be purchased. Thank you
I'M DESPERATELY hoping this feature comes to previous gen pixel phones. It's absurd that my Pixel 7 Pro has a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port but doesn't show for display out purely because googled decided they didn't want to allow the phone to do that.
I haven't been able to get this to work on my 8 pro for a couple weeks now. I'll get the mirror prompt and it will work for about 15 seconds until I get a static screen and it disconnects. Shame it doesn't work on my set up because Dex works just fine using the same monitor and thunderbolt cable.
Wow! I had stop caring about the Pixel phone, precisely, because it couldn't do this! If Pixel 9 still retains this functionality, I will purchase one. Does it support Alt-mode DisplayPort out too? What is the max resolution? HD? 4K? Does this work for the Pixel tablet too?
Will the 8a run this desktop mode? I bought my first Android phone, the 8a, and want to make sure I won’t miss out on this. Maybe I’ll exchange it for an 8 Pro.
How can Google do such a half-assed job even though it's a beta version? They have had this desktop mode proposal in beta since Android 10. Granted, the external screen previously didn't work independently of the phone's main screen. I hope they really make this project live a long life, especially because, for tablets, an experience as close as possible to the Desktop is ideal for use. I'm here writing directly from my DEX, it's not perfect yet, but for my use I've already dispensed with my Desktop PC.
Could you please test the sultan kernel When I flash this kernel I actually outperformed the Snapdragon 8 gen 2 and battery life was even better than the 8 gen 3 I was blown away that I was getting over 120 FPS on highest settings in most games. It really makes it feel like I got a new phone
Great video! Looks like desktop mode is properly able to use the native resolution of the connected display without letterboxing like in mirror mode. Can anyone confirm this? Also, once in desktop mode, is the only way to control it with a hub and mouse, or is there any way to do it off the phone itself in a pinch? Just trying to play videos on a 4k monitor using my Pixel 8 Pro without using my laptop.
You know what this shows? This shows that USB3 can do hardware-level wired video output, yet Google deliberately disabled it via software. It's not uncommon to see this kind of sleazy practice since they don't want to hurt their Android tablets, Chromecast, and Chromebook sales.
How does TH-cam work? Any weird glitches and problems like DeX have? Been waiting for Google to advance towards this area since... well, I guess since way back when Windows Mobile phones announced a feature like this one, so even before DeX. And despite liking a lot what Samsung did with the DeX, there are several bugs that makes me crazy on it (e.g. TH-cam randomly losing audio for whatever reason, lots of apps simply not working on it), and it doesn't seem like Samsung is advancing much in this area anymore. I really liked when they implemented all the wireless options retroactively, and how they advanced on Desktop Mode in general over the years, but it seems like development has stalled for it. And this has been a major point why I don't even look at Google phones anymore. It's all of these lesser advertised features that Samsung consistently puts out in their phones that are always missing on Google phones, particularly around USB C standard and extra functionalities. I don't care and never cared about all the other bullsh*t - bezel less screen, under display fingerprint reader, notch or punch hole selfie camera, all the AI crap, smart assistant bullsh*t, flexible display, and all this sh*t I never asked for. None of this sh*t matters to me. I need a desktop mode that not only allows for wired and wireless connectivity without the need for everything to go through Internet, and it'd be nice if I could also use the smartphone and tablet as a display output for wireless and wired, like as a secondary monitor - kinda like what Minisforum did with their recent tablet. This should be so much more simpler to implement rather than all this crap the smartphone industry has implemented in the past half decade or so, but for whatever reason we're still not quite there yet. So I hope Google's implementation of Desktop Mode really starts addressing all of this, finally. Until then, I'll just stay with Samsung, for lack of better options. Because I quite remember Google announcing they were working on this several years ago, and it all went nowhere.
Never had any weird glitches woth Dex. But this definently has a ton of glitches. Did you miss the part where it was clerly noted that thisbis a beta version? Meaning it is not finished for release yet...
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 89 | คู่เอก "ยอดไอคิว vs คิริลล์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3vYkHJ_5Ig/mqdefault.jpg)
As a DeX Daily Driver it makes me very happy to see Google pushing this tech. I'm always terrified Samsung is gonna give up on the tech and I'll have to migrate to a new system or drop a chunk on a Galaxy Book; the integration of phone and computer that DeX gives is a killer productivity feature for me. Glad to see Google pouring some money on the metaphorical fire.
Well trusting Google on a feature is not a good idea as they tend to deprecate stuff randomly but hopefully more companies join this trend on their mobile phones.
With performance of new phones and prices of pc parts desktop mode is enough for 90% of people to daily use with bigger screen
I don't think this feature would ever go away
android tablet basically is useless for some without this feature
It's worth remembering that from the very start Google has artificially limited the capability of the pixel phones by disabling alt DP mode on their phones
Meanwhile dex has been a thing for over a decade
There's always the Chinese. Huawei's Desktop Mode is almost as polished as Dex (lacks that last bit of polish in multi-window snapping on external displays, but you get multi-device multi-cam and shared internal galleries and notes via wifi), and Xiaomi is starting to explore desktop style applications as well as tap to sync phone mirroring and remote control.
I didn't expect Google will release this feature but finally they did it (even though it's beta). This might change my mind about getting S23/S24 ultra. Hopefully they will polish more on desktop mode. It's still kind of barebone right now
Great until they abandon it next year.
@@flowerdealer you aint lying
Google has a positive working relationship with Samsung. IMHO Google doesn't want to cannibalize Samsung's sales with its own competitor.
Pixel 8 (not Pro) also has the settings at least for Desktop mode. Haven't tried out ETAP's steps yet.
I have had a Samsung with dex before and I kinda miss the feature when I got my curren phone (xperia 1 V) and at the time was considering the S23 just because if this feature.
If this trickel down to my device I'll wouldn't feel miss out as much as I do now anymore
I use dex every day. I would wait to see what they do before going all in with Google. Remember Stadia??
Phones with desktop mode are the future for most people and may replace the home PC for most use cases. One device to rule them all. Super glad to see a DeX alternative! I have a 7 Pro and hope this is available for me as well.
You should check out Motorola Ready For.
2 years ago it was actually superior to Dex.
Not sure about now in 2024 if Samsung Dex finally caught up to Ready For.
Me too. I want to see if I can use a chromebook's screen as the monitor, too. That way if I want to watch something when away from home, I don't have to hotspot it. I find hotspot speeds get degraded over what comes directly to the phone.
The Pixel 7 Pro can't do it because it lacks HDCP over USB C, the display out function. Made me super sad as well.
Google should have teamed up with Samsung and just have Dex modified for pixel devices. Dex is a lot more refined and has more features.
The problem is that Google is trying to move everything in house. Tensor is only being helped by Samsung because Mediatek isn't American, and Qualcomm is what Google is trying to escape.
dude samsung is gonna sue google whereever possible if it only slightly uses DeX mechanics
You know this!!!
I'm surprised this didn't do this already considering they have a really close partnership
bro this is the basic aosp version of dex, google shouldn't copy dex,just improve it
After using Dex and Ready For I can definitely say that it's not ready yet for productivity works, apart from emergency edits. Using a Chromebook tablet is much more convenient (for example intuitive mouse use and multi browser-windows). It will take one or a few years more until we get a true desktop experience on smartphones. The simplest and fastest solution would be to have a ChromeOS vm on Android, as Android now has built in virtualization framework. The radical solution is a Chromephone that would make it a swiss knife phone: an Android phone, an Android tablet, a Chromebook and a Linux machine at the same time.
I was going to object to that, because I use desktop mode on a daily basis for office work... but that mouse issue is a killer. I've actually gotten online desktop FPSs like Counterstrike to run through browser containers, but there's just no getting around the difference in mouse click handling between Android and Windows.
You sir are speaking my language.
ChromeOS when docked would send me back to android quicker than you can blink!
Few years? It’s already been out for more than 5 years. My bet is it will fade away
Huawei has desktop mode since the P20.
Several other brands also have it, and even do desktop mode at 4k.
Redmagic, console mode up to 4k.
watching this video right now with my P20 Pro on an external monitor. ;)
Which brands supports the 4K output?
@@davidtugyi4536 Motorola. Eta Prime did a video on it. Look for his video on TH-cam ”This Can Replace Your Desktop PC! This New 4K Android PC Mode Is Fast”
Actually, since mate 10 (october 2017). Limited to 1080p, bad support from mainstream google apps, without windows snapping.
@@davidtugyi4536 last year samsung flagship phones support 4k, you can search in youtube how to enable it
This is awesome, this is exactly what I've been wanting from Pixel. Desktop, gaming, and smartphone stuff all in one compact and powerful device. Our phones have so much power that most people don't take advantage of, this is a great way to get more outta these pocket computers.
the thing is that Taskbar last update is 2021, the project is abandoned. The good thing would be to get samsung's dex to work on any phone
There's a newer project that is still open source, it's called SmartDock.
I had no idea, I love my Pixel 8 Pro, now even better! Thanks
same
@@DavidMeggers I really love pixels software but I'm wondering if the gaming experience is nice I've been using Samsung for a while
Nice to see another competitor to Dex!
Motorola Ready For is the only real competition to Dex
Good info, hope Google will implement wireless connectivity and give it to older Pixels too.
I used to use Taskbar on various different phones and I usually set it to left side vertical, like on Ubuntu, it goes to the edge of the screen like it supposed to, and takes up less vertical screen real estate that is more valuable in landscape mode.
It has been in the works for long. Finally !
Usb C video out is nice. I think every phone should have that.
If you enable force desktop in secondary display and simulate a display you can get that on any android.
But to access that display the only way I know is with scrcpy using --display=1 command the number change every time you simulate a new display and reset to 1 after reboot .
Video output (basic screen mirroring) has been around since atleast Android 4 so nothing new dude... Just Google disabeled it on their own devices.
It worked with microUSB to HDMI.
Desktop mode however should NOT be on cheap devices because that experience would end up beeing laggy. It does require a bit of power to run a totally seperate desktop on an external screen
I've just bought my pixel 8 pro. Upgreading from samsung note 10 plus. I was worried about not having dex...and here i am watching your video, smiling like some crazy maniac XD
Will this come out for the older pixels? Like the pixel 7 pro?
Last I heard no
PLEASE GOOGLE MAKE THIS A STANDARD FOR ALL ANDROID 15 DEVICES
It's not possible due to hardware limitations
I just use scrcpy on my 7 pro, as anyone could with any android phone. that does require you to have a PC already in-place, but im not too sure how many people have an empty setup with just a monitor and kbm sitting around.
This is great! Hopefully stock Android will also adopt this feature so it can come to every phone!
Yeah that's the thing, it should have been a feature for many years
It already is. Android has it since 8. It's just stupid Google didn't give dp out on any of their phones until now.
If anything though lineageOS featured it. You enabled it just like he did in the video.
It's been a feature but it's been broken and I'm hoping what we see here replaces what is currently in stock Android
This IS stock Android...🤦♂️
And Google has been very slow to copy desktop mode. 7 years after Samsung they finally manage to bring a beta that has huge flaws🤦♂️
And basic screen mirroring has been a thing since atleast Android 4.. Just that Google seem to have disabeled it on their own devices for some stupid reason🤦♂️🤣
@@TheTheShizzlerNo, it's not.. Desktop mode has never been a stock Android feature. Screen mirroring however has been around since arlwast Android 4 days.. Except on Google Pixel etc because Google disabeled it on their own devices
As a Pixel 8 pro user, this is a great news ! I'll use it as soon as it's available in release version
May upgrade to the 9 Pro XL when that drops.
Ended up going with the OnePlus 12 instead.
Great videom nice to see deskatop mode, Can´t wait for the fully version
I'd love to see a demo of this using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app that's available in the app store. It might be kind of cool to see how well this works as a "thin client" running off a proper windows computer to get more functionality.
It's works already. I am using it at my Android tablet
Samsung had me switch to them around the S10 because Dex. 5g with cloud services and Dex truly opened up a jack of all trades option for a phone. And when iphone with the XR it still had lcd and Samsubg already had clean oled designed displays.
Finally. I feel like this is something that should have began on the pixel 3/4 era.
Thanks for the video. Have been getting annoyed with all the make pretend ETA channels biting your style lately and it's good to see a vid that was super relevant to what I was looking for that's actually from your channel today.
I'm glad pixel users are getting what us dex users have been enjoying. But Google is pulling an apple on us. This should've been a thing long time, along with rest of dex features.
Finally, fresh content
The pixel 9 will likely be my next phone, so I’m glad to see google is adding this functionality! Dex mode on samsung devices is absolutely unmatched; I hope google keeps adding to this
I can't wait to use Desktop mode on my Pixel Fold
Finally, there's a stock app launcher built right into the secondary monitor desktop mode, for the 3rd party apps being just optional. It works really great on my Pixel 8, although minimizing the apps causes them to show up cut on the phone's screen itself. This can hopefully be fixed in the upcoming feature drops. I can definitely see this as a replacement for a streaming box. I managed to get it only to 1080p because of the USB-C cable's limits I had laying around. Any other cables just warned me the screen mirroring wasn't possible.
Whether the device is budget, mid or high end one, desktop mode must be integrated on any device as long as they support video out tecnology
No, desktop mode would be horrible on a cheap device. But screen mirroring has been a standard feature since around Android 4 days atleast. Just google disabeled it on their own phones🤦♂️🤣
Question. I have the taskbar app downloaded and have enabled desktop mode as well as all the necessary developer options, as you detailed. At 3:30 you said "...once we have taskbar enabled". Once the phone is plugged in to the dock and the single app drawer button is visible, how do you enable the taskbar? I do not see an option to have the taskbar show up.
Ridiculous He Wont Respond and Answer You...All About Making Money/Sponsors...
Enabling Taskbar on Pixel 8 Pro
Unfortunately, the Taskbar feature is not natively available on the Pixel 8 Pro or any other Google Pixel device. The search results provided suggest that the Taskbar is designed for tablets and foldables, and it’s not a standard feature for smartphones like the Pixel 8 Pro.
However, some users have experimented with adjusting the UI density to emulate a tablet-like experience, which can trigger the Taskbar. To do this:
Enable Developer options on your Pixel 8 Pro:
Go to Settings > System > System update
Tap Build number seven times to unlock Developer options
Adjust the UI density:
Go to Settings > System > Developer options
Scroll down to “Display” or “Window” settings (the exact option might vary)
Adjust the “Minimum width” or “Density” setting to 600dp (or higher)
Note that this is an experimental workaround and may not work on all devices or apps. You may experience issues with touch targets, Gboard layout, and app interfaces.
Keep in mind that this is not an official method to enable the Taskbar on the Pixel 8 Pro, and it’s not recommended for daily use. The Taskbar is designed for larger screens and may not provide an optimal experience on a smartphone.
If you’re looking for alternative ways to manage your apps and multitasking on the Pixel 8 Pro, you can explore other features like:
Split-screen view (long-press the Recent apps button and drag an app to the edge of the screen)
Picture-in-picture mode (enable in Settings > Apps & notifications > Special app access > Picture-in-picture mode)
Google’s built-in multitasking features, such as the “Recent apps” shade and “Overview” mode
Remember to always use caution when experimenting with Developer options and adjusting system settings, as it may affect your device’s stability and performance.
I hope they will drop this feature to regular 8 an pixel 7 and 6 series
Regular pixel 8 works. The ones before can't because it's disabled in hardware.
@@musguelha14 does it? I was trying and I wasn't able to. Do I need the Android 14 beta? Because on the regular 14 the notification doesn't pop-up
I am also a pixel user but i paused using them since the 7, i can't wait for pixel 9 pro
All we need is Google to figure out taskbar and we'll get a nice desktop mode fit for all Android devices running Android 15 and above. Definitely worth the Android update. Still OnePlus Open Canvas is probably a better multitasking feature for touch screen devices. Pretty unique IMO.
And this comes out the day I buy the Pixel 8 Pro... That's almost impressive!
This is awesome. Waiting for this to drop on the pixel tablet. I'd sell my PC and ipad if the pixel tablet gets this too.
Desktop mode should be a standard in all new flagship smartphone models.
Makes me excited for the Pixel Fold 2/Pixel 9 Pro Fold
This is what I've been waiting for for so long! The only issue is I have a pixel 7...
They should make the desktop experience more like chrome os, that would be the best of both worlds.
Finally!, I've been waiting on this feature since the pixel 3 came out because I was used to it with Samsung since the S8.
Horsepower. I have a S21, and our TH-camr here or someone else showed DEX on a S24 something. My S21 didn't have all those features. You might get something, but doubt you will get everything. They want the experience to be pleasant. If they don't think it will be they may not allow certain features.
2:22 I'm not getting this mirror request dialog after opting into beta, enabling several desktop related mode, and plugging the USB-C cable into Pixel directly and indirectly via the dock. I have tried rebooting Pixel and still not getting the mirror request dialog. What now?
is this a synthetic voice? Its too perfect...
Woooo desktopppp modeeee
desKKKKtop mode
Great! What about Netflix resolution available? With or without HDR?
Will it be coming to the Pixel 7a as well?
I got a Pixel 9 Pro XL this week, mainly because I got it FREE (just sales tax and activation fee) and luckily was able to do that and keep my old phone, a Samsung S21 Ultra, this was important as I use DEX DAILY when I'm getting ready in the morning to run multiple apps at the same time and losing this function would make it a HELL NO on the "upgrade", I am glad to see Google making moves toward a Dex like interface as I would love to do that Dex like system with something with even more RAM so I could do more things at the same time.
Good video. Does desktop mode work wirelessly as well?
My internet service went out a few days ago, and I used Samsung Dex to get my Uni homework done. It was a great experience. I only wish Dex supported multiple screens, but I am happy because this has been the exact reason why I got a samsung phone, to use Dex when I cant use my PC.
Dex does support multiple screens. Link to Windows for devices running windows and Multi-control for any Samsung devices.
@@jordanjackson8873 Thank you for letting me know I have been looking for a way. I will try this next time I need Dex
Good to know Android Q ( 10 ) had desktop mod too , but I guess they never released it publicly at final version
You can find videos about it , in beta stage
Great video, thank you for showing this new feature.
Questin: during running on the beta version, did you fase any issues with ooher app installed on yout Pixel phone?
ETA, Minecraft Bedrock on Android supports Keyboard and Mouse natively now, you should start using that now.
6:30 besides the missing task bar and snap windows, what dex features would you like to see?
Dex is awesome. Glad to see Google doing this though. I hope they continue to refine it. I love Dex on the Galaxy phones.
I have already said that this is the Average Consumer PC experience in the future. Then everybody say "ah Gaming, ah Working" blah blah blah. The *average consumer* just needs a computing device and a larger monitor to work simply and effectively.
I've done this once long time ago with Android 10 on a realme phone by screen casting to my laptop with those developer options turned on and it worked
Screen mirroring has worked since Android 4 days.. But desktop mode is NOT the same so..
This was what was holding me back from buying the pixel fold. So if they add this in the new pixel fold then i don't need to rely on samsung dex. Dex has been extremely convienent at times.
How did you get rid of the black bar above any game? Because when i try and game on it there is that black bar that you had in minecraft
weill, it's better than nothing, but they could do this much better. Why not just integerate ChromeOS and start it when an external display is connected? It would be so much better to have a real desktop browser with plugins instead of the resized mobile browser.
Very excited about this!! Apple should hsve given this kind of thing as an option a long time ago.
Oeh.. it's still very limited, I bope they make a nice interface, And I really hope they will support native icon packs support. So I can make a nice desktop ❤ took them way too long but I'm glad they finally are focusing on this. A lot of students will be happy! ❤
So you can't turn off the phone screen?
@@joka5345 watch till end
This would be an interesting feature with the new chips coming out
The Droid Razor was so ahead of it's time
So can you do it seamlessly like dex? Being able to cast it wireless to a tablet? I would like to see how this will be in the coming months. Good job, Google 👍
Would be interested in seeing the Pixel 8 desktop interface on one of the lapdocks, if you are willing.
I've done this with my pixel 4, although you still need some kind of computer. But by simulating a secondary display with the desktop options enabled, you can use scrcpy and display the second screen. With this I've been able to play modded minecraft with pojav on my school laptop while still being completely powered by my phone.
There's no competition to Samsung Dex at the moment.
Really hope they make a full fleshed desktop operating system
I know not enough people want this for it to be implemented, but it would be really nice if I could have real linux on the USB-C out but keep android on my phone.
I am sure it's possible to bodge something, but I would love for a seamless solution as opposed to 'dock, start termux, run random command, mount something, switch to a vnc client, connect to localhost'
Great ideas. Could you suggest some amazon links to Dock stations with stands that would work with Pixel 8 pro. Can't seem to find the one in your video.
Hi ETA prime, please list out all the devices that supports Desktop mode. I think for a mobile device that has desktop mode feature is a plus point when buying one. Great sharing.
Motorola has one
Samsung has dex which is the best. I use it daily on my TV. Use the phone as a modem and it runs games and I watch content on it
Looks like the only other ones are from Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei. That lost comes from NexDock which says it is compatible with all phones featuring Desktop Mode and lists all of them.
@@schubajo - LG flagships also had a desktop mode, called Screen+. That's not much help to anyone looking at new phones seeing as how LG doesn't make phones anymore; but, they're a solid Galaxy alternative for anyone on a budget looking at used and old stock new phones.
@@schubajo No, there are more. Google is one of the slowest to copy Samsung on this.
Cool 😎👍 Desktop mode for Android . . . nice.
Kindest regards, neighbours and friends.
Desktop mode for Pixel... Many other Android manufactures copied Samsung's Dex from 2017 and the basic video out (screen mirroring) feature has been around since atleast Android 4. Except on google's own devices because they disabeled it.
Very great video and showcased the upcoming features with the Pixel 8 - sometime I´m very interested in the USB-C Docking you´re using, can you add some links where it can be purchased. Thank you
I immediately went to see what Dock he was using and sadly there was no leak. Real missed opportunity
So, its not wireless??
Being surprised using Motorola Ready For feature.
I'ls this for the pro only? Does the 8 get it as well?
From what I have read it's for both
Yep it does. I just enabled it on my P8
I'm using it on 8a
I'M DESPERATELY hoping this feature comes to previous gen pixel phones. It's absurd that my Pixel 7 Pro has a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port but doesn't show for display out purely because googled decided they didn't want to allow the phone to do that.
Seems like the future to me.
Eventually I want to be able to dock my phone and use it withmonitor external video card etc
I haven't been able to get this to work on my 8 pro for a couple weeks now. I'll get the mirror prompt and it will work for about 15 seconds until I get a static screen and it disconnects. Shame it doesn't work on my set up because Dex works just fine using the same monitor and thunderbolt cable.
you said its hdmi over usbc but does it also support display port over usbc?
Yes I have a USB c to USB c cord in my monitor and it works you don't need hdmi
Does that mean the Pixel 8 Pro is the best mini PC you've seen so far?
Would you mind sharing which dock you are using in the video? I can't find it on Amazon. Thank you so much!
Wow! I had stop caring about the Pixel phone, precisely, because it couldn't do this! If Pixel 9 still retains this functionality, I will purchase one. Does it support Alt-mode DisplayPort out too? What is the max resolution? HD? 4K?
Does this work for the Pixel tablet too?
The best pixelated experience we've ever had
Does it work with Pixel 8 ?
Yes.
Finally! May actually switch back to A Pixel if this becomes official
Just downloading beta 14 to pixel 7 , let you know if work
Let us know
Unfortunately not work with my pixel 7 and two different USB c to HDMI docks.
Will the 8a run this desktop mode? I bought my first Android phone, the 8a, and want to make sure I won’t miss out on this. Maybe I’ll exchange it for an 8 Pro.
Google need to bring the ChromeOS interface to it's desktop mode on Pixel phones!!!
1:43 how did you get that color scheme? The deep black background and very blue switches? On my pixel everything is very pale
How can Google do such a half-assed job even though it's a beta version? They have had this desktop mode proposal in beta since Android 10. Granted, the external screen previously didn't work independently of the phone's main screen. I hope they really make this project live a long life, especially because, for tablets, an experience as close as possible to the Desktop is ideal for use. I'm here writing directly from my DEX, it's not perfect yet, but for my use I've already dispensed with my Desktop PC.
Could you please test the sultan kernel
When I flash this kernel I actually outperformed the Snapdragon 8 gen 2 and battery life was even better than the 8 gen 3 I was blown away that I was getting over 120 FPS on highest settings in most games. It really makes it feel like I got a new phone
Great video! Looks like desktop mode is properly able to use the native resolution of the connected display without letterboxing like in mirror mode. Can anyone confirm this? Also, once in desktop mode, is the only way to control it with a hub and mouse, or is there any way to do it off the phone itself in a pinch? Just trying to play videos on a 4k monitor using my Pixel 8 Pro without using my laptop.
Would have been great to have seen Word and Excel running on desktop mode.
Will it work with Pixel 8a as well? it seems to have mirroring HDMI output via USB-C...
Does it work with a touchscreen monitor?
You know what this shows? This shows that USB3 can do hardware-level wired video output, yet Google deliberately disabled it via software. It's not uncommon to see this kind of sleazy practice since they don't want to hurt their Android tablets, Chromecast, and Chromebook sales.
What is the supported resolution and refresh rate?
It's a beta.. Barely a beta givende how much it lacks. So that's a question for when it's actually finished
How does TH-cam work? Any weird glitches and problems like DeX have?
Been waiting for Google to advance towards this area since... well, I guess since way back when Windows Mobile phones announced a feature like this one, so even before DeX.
And despite liking a lot what Samsung did with the DeX, there are several bugs that makes me crazy on it (e.g. TH-cam randomly losing audio for whatever reason, lots of apps simply not working on it), and it doesn't seem like Samsung is advancing much in this area anymore. I really liked when they implemented all the wireless options retroactively, and how they advanced on Desktop Mode in general over the years, but it seems like development has stalled for it.
And this has been a major point why I don't even look at Google phones anymore. It's all of these lesser advertised features that Samsung consistently puts out in their phones that are always missing on Google phones, particularly around USB C standard and extra functionalities.
I don't care and never cared about all the other bullsh*t - bezel less screen, under display fingerprint reader, notch or punch hole selfie camera, all the AI crap, smart assistant bullsh*t, flexible display, and all this sh*t I never asked for. None of this sh*t matters to me.
I need a desktop mode that not only allows for wired and wireless connectivity without the need for everything to go through Internet, and it'd be nice if I could also use the smartphone and tablet as a display output for wireless and wired, like as a secondary monitor - kinda like what Minisforum did with their recent tablet.
This should be so much more simpler to implement rather than all this crap the smartphone industry has implemented in the past half decade or so, but for whatever reason we're still not quite there yet. So I hope Google's implementation of Desktop Mode really starts addressing all of this, finally. Until then, I'll just stay with Samsung, for lack of better options. Because I quite remember Google announcing they were working on this several years ago, and it all went nowhere.
Never had any weird glitches woth Dex. But this definently has a ton of glitches. Did you miss the part where it was clerly noted that thisbis a beta version? Meaning it is not finished for release yet...