Google has introduced a new desktop mode for its Google Pixel smartphones, allowing users to turn their phone into a computer-like system when connected to a monitor. The feature is part of the company’s latest Pixel Feature Drop and is being rolled out gradually to devices starting with the Google Pixel 8 and newer models.
The new mode allows Google Pixel users to connect their smartphone to an external display using a USB-C cable. Once connected, the phone switches to a desktop-style interface that can be used with a keyboard and mouse. This makes it possible to perform tasks on a larger screen, similar to using a laptop or desktop computer.
Google Pixel Turns into a Workstation
With desktop mode enabled, the Google Pixel phone displays a layout designed for productivity. Users can open multiple apps in separate windows and move them around the screen. This allows for easier multitasking, such as writing documents while referencing other information or watching videos while browsing the web.
The feature also supports common tasks such as text editing, viewing photos, streaming videos and managing files. Instead of relying only on the small screen of the phone, users can complete these activities on a larger monitor.
Google had been testing the feature in beta versions of its smartphone operating system since 2025 before making it available more widely through the latest update.
Samsung’s DeX system
Samsung’s desktop-style system on many of its phones has been accomplished using its product called Samsung DeX. Users can connect the various supported models of Samsung phones to an external screen and use them as if they were a desktop computer in appearance and functionality.
Recent news reports say that Google collaborated closely with Samsung on developing the desktop mode in the Pixel devices, which should improve the overall compatibility and functionality of running the desktop-style interface on any of the smartphones.
More features in the Google Pixel update
Other features announced in the latest Pixel update:
- Now playing updates: The app recognises the song itself, so the user may listen to it. The app also has a list of previous songs that were recognised, and the user can listen to them from their chosen music app.
- Personalised options: Pixel users will have access to numerous different AI-generated options for icon display styles and visual themes to customise how their device looks.
- Extended Scam Call Detection Capabilities: Google is expanding the use of the Phone app for detection of scam calls to additional countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Germany, and Japan, beyond what has already been available in the USA, Australia, Canada, India and Ireland.
- Enhanced Circle for Search Engagement: The feature, where you can circle an object on your device for web searching, will have new functional improvements just on new Pixel devices, such as the upcoming Google Pixel 10. There will be new abilities to identify specific objects in images and deliver additional results.
With the introduction of desktop mode, Google is continuing to expand the role of smartphones beyond basic communication and entertainment.
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