Google could enhance its Android system to make it a powerhouse of productivity. One way to do this is to introduce the ability to split the screen into three, which should let it run up to three apps simultaneously on suitably sized tablet devices. This should take productivity on an Android tablet to a new level, even challenging Apple iPad’s dominance in the segment.
So far, Android allows for the simultaneous running of two applications, though this is the first time it will inherently enable the concurrent running of three apps. So far, it has been up to the manufacturers to offer triple split-screen functionality. For instance, on Samsung devices running OneUI, there is the option to run three apps—two on one side and one on the other. Pop-up views are also available for consulting different apps.
Apart from this, Lenovo offers PC Mode, which allows you to have floating windows to show different applications. Then, there is the Open Canvas on the OnePlus Pad, where you can run three different apps simultaneously. Here, two apps take up most of the space and can be termed the primary app, while the third app gets only a tiny space on the screen.
Now that Android has made the feature inherent to the OS, it will be available on all tablet devices running the latest Android version. This will make the feature and its various intricacies uniform across the devices. Plus, periodic updates will be coming. It will no longer depend on the individual manufacturers, though they will always be free to continue offering multitasking features on their devices.
All of this, however, is speculation at the moment and can be attributed to a code snippet named ‘flexible split-screen mode’ that was found on the Android 16 developer preview 2 by Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman. It is still a work-in-progress thing, though Rahman claims he can drag a window on his Pixel device in split-screen mode. In doing so, Android offered him three spots to place his window, which indicates the feature is in development at Google.
The feature assumes significance now that there is a growing preference for large-screen tablet devices that are foldable as well. Samsung recently unveiled a triple-folding tablet at the CES event. With this feature, you might have three different apps running on each fold for better coordination and work, enhancing productivity. Stay tuned!
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.
