Android users are waiting for the day when their phones can connect to a big screen and convert into a full-fledged Android PC. We have seen hints of the development but nothing concrete has shown up so far, except for Samsung’s DeX mode. But things could finally change and we could see the standard Android version getting the PC mode, at least that’s what some code strings of the next Android 15 update suggest.
Reports point out that Android 14 is slowly but surely preparing a big upgrade for its successor which will be unveiled in around a month’s time from now at the Google I/O 2024 keynote in May.
It has been observed that the latest version of Android’s desktop mode in Android 14 beta allows users to move the apps around the big screen as well as resize them depending on how many apps they want to use simultaneously.
These features might not sound new but when you realise that we are talking about Android running on a big screen and supporting these options, you can imagine the excitement people will have thinking about the tool if and when it officially rolls out. We have already seen glimpses of what Google has in store for Android users.
The new Pixel 8 series launched in 2023 come with support for external display via the USB C port for wired transmission of data and all the mobile capability on a big screen. Having the hardware support will amplify when Android is ready to fully utilise the device and its AI features and tech that will finally let people enjoy Android beyond phone, tablet and watches. Bringing the PC mode to Pixel series also could be a gamechanger for the company with more consumers ready to get their hands on an Android phone, just to see how the technology works.
Apple already offers a similar feature but only within its ecosystem. Android being open source means you could have a premium phone and a basic 4K monitor to get the PC mode up and running without breaking the bank.
Google turns on its new, global Find My device network for Android
Google has officially announced that it’s finally turning on its long-awaited revamped Find My Device network for Android, which works even with offline devices. This is going live on devices running Android 9 and later, across the world.
The network will have over a billion devices, so it will make it very easy to locate yours, even when they’re offline. As a bonus for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, these will be trackable even when they’re powered off or the battery is dead, thanks to some “specialized Pixel hardware”.
Starting in May, new Bluetooth tracker tags will become available from Chipolo and Pebblebee, and these will be locateable in the Find My Device app, as they’re built specifically for the new Find My Device network.