The 401MB Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 dropped today. | Images credit — PhoneArena
Early look at Android desktop features
In this setup, the phone and monitor run independently. Apps appear only on the screen they’re launched on, and the external display gains a taskbar for pinned and active apps. Windows are resizable, and apps can be placed side-by-side, similar to what you’d find on a desktop computer.
More desktop multitasking tools
Google has also updated last year’s windowing features. New improvements include:
- Saving window size and position between sessions
- Support for multiple desktop sessions with keyboard or gesture switching
- Flexible window tiling and arrangement
- Multi-window support for apps like Chrome and Keep
- Compatibility improvements to help legacy apps display properly on external monitors
These upgrades show Google is steadily building out Android’s ability to function more like a desktop when connected to larger screens.
Bug fixes and device availability
QPR1 Beta 2 also fixes several issues found in Beta 1, including:
- Auto dark theme not working
- Crashing in Now Playing
- Camera not launching
- App shortcuts missing after install
- Home button issues in app drawer
- Misaligned “More wallpapers” button
- Gemini not working on lockscreen
Google seems eager to keep momentum going with Android updates. Releasing this beta right after Android 16’s stable build signals that the company wants to stay ahead in software innovation. While not every feature will matter to all users, the focus on productivity tools could make Android more versatile for those who rely on their phones for more than just the basics. I, for one, am excited to try out desktop mode ASAP.
