Google’s March Pixel release included a number of new features for its smartphones. One feature that hasn’t been mentioned is a new Pixel Desktop mode for when you connect your phone to an external display.
The idea of connecting a smartphone to a monitor to instantly transform the interface into a desktop-like experience isn’t new, however. Samsung phones and tablets have had DeX for years. Motorola phones offer Smart Connect, which turns even its low-end phones into a desktop experience.
It’s surprisingly basic, but in a good way
The first time I connected my Pixel 10 Pro XL to the same Thunderbolt dock I normally use with my MacBook Pro, I was prompted to connect to an external display. I checked the box next to “Don’t ask me again” and pressed the Desktop button. A few seconds later, my screen flickered and I was greeted by a bland desktop, devoid of any images, app icons, or shortcuts. My keyboard connected instantly and worked without issue, although I had to pair my mouse with the Pixel.
At the bottom of the screen is the taskbar, which uses the same apps I put there on my Pixel. To the right are three navigation buttons that were once the standard way to navigate Android before it became gesture-only. That’s it. This reminds me a lot of the early days of ChromeOS or using an early beta of Android on a tablet.
Then I started clicking on app icons and, instead of looking at miniaturized phone-like apps filling the screen, to my surprise I saw what looked like full-fledged desktop apps opening up. Chrome is probably the best example because it looks a lot like a desktop browser, with a row of tabs at the top of the window; the same tabs I almost forgot I had open on my Pixel.
In reality, all the apps I’ve been using for the past few days are just beefed-up tablet apps. Only, instead of being locked to specific window sizes or even a column similar to the size of a phone app, I have complete freedom to resize each window to whatever shape or format I want. You can have up to five apps open at a time on the external display, plus another one running on your Pixel phone, for a total of six apps.
When you open a new application on the desktop and you have reached the limit, the application that has been idle the longest is closed.
Everything you need to use Pixel Desktop Mode
To use the new Desktop mode, you will need additional hardware. You’ll of course need a compatible Pixel phone, that’s the Pixel 8 or newer, including foldables. Additionally, you’ll need some sort of display, whether it’s a TV in a hotel room, a portable USB-C display, or a computer monitor. A keyboard and mouse are also necessary, as is a way to connect them all to your phone.
If you have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, you can pair them to your phone just like you would any other Bluetooth device.
Connecting your phone to a screen is via its USB-C port. If you have a display with a USB-C connection, then you’re all set. However, if you only have an HDMI cable for your monitor, you’ll need an inexpensive USB-C hub. The USB-C hub also lets you connect a wired keyboard and mouse, power to your phone, and if you want, an Ethernet connection.
Don’t leave your laptop at home yet
Pixel’s Desktop functionality isn’t perfect, however. For example, it’s annoying that I can’t lock my Pixel when using Desktop mode: the screen has to stay on, which produces heat and potentially drains the battery faster.
That said, I spent a lot of time using the new Desktop mode to respond to emails stored in my inbox, respond to text messages, stream music (albeit through the phone’s speaker), and even watch YouTube shorts.
And my favorite part? At the end of any work session, I unplug my phone and everything I was doing on a 32-inch screen in front of me is now in the palm of my hand. I don’t need to manage multiple devices, wonder where I put a file, or wait for things to sync.
One day, a mobile phone that transforms into a full-fledged desktop experience or replacement for a laptop will be the norm – but until then, I’ll keep experimenting and have the security of knowing that my phone can pinch a laptop when needed.
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