Android M Could Bring Multi-Window Support

With large-screened devices being the norm, one might accept thought that multi-window support would exist an integral function of the mobile globe right now, but every bit far as iOS and Android is concerned, this is non the case. With contempo rumors suggesting that Apple is planning a side-by-side multitasking feature, perchance only for the iPad initially, it looks like Google could be plotting something similar for the just-unveiled Android K that may as well be limited to tablets.

Google'southward I/O developers conference has really taken over as far every bit this calendar week'due south tech headlines are concerned, and amid a multitude of announcements at the initial keynote on Thursday, the company also took the wraps off Android M. The still-unnamed software update touts a number of features, some more promising than others, but one tucked-away characteristic that Google didn't mention is multi-window multitasking.

The multi-window implementation could be something that the search visitor intends to curl out later this twelvemonth, although at the moment, it's hidden within the Android M Developer Preview. If you've downloaded and installed the preview, or you intend to, then you tin get your offset taste of multi-window on Android by meddling with a few ADB commands. It's quite buggy, so if Google does intend to release information technology to the masses, information technology volition require a lot of refinement, merely for those curious, it's definitely worth checking out.

It goes without saying, though, that if y'all practise want to effort this feature, we'd only recommend doing and then if you know what yous're doing. The dev preview itself is smooth enough to use -- although non on your daily driver -- but multi-window is described as "extremely experimental" by the Redditor who'southward thrown the guide together.

Samsung's TouchWiz already allows users to work on more than app from within the aforementioned interface, just there'southward no dubiousness that it'd be nice to see Google add this kind of feature natively. At desktop level, multi-window has remained amidst the core principles for decades, but in the mobile era, we seem fairly content with i window at a time.

As mentioned above, Apple may also be planning to introduce multi-window. It is thought that the characteristic, which may or may not make information technology out with the upcoming iOS ix update, will consist of two windows running apps side-by-side, and will only be available on the company's iPad tablet.

Still, for those looking to exist productive, these are heady times, and if you'd similar to exam out Android Grand'southward subconscious multi-window support, please check out the source link.

Exist warned, though, that it's nowhere near finished, is but for tablets, and volition not be equally smooth every bit those features that Google has decided to showcase.

(Source: Reddit via Android Guys)