Samsung's DeX offering, a notable device feature, seems to be an overlooked gem by many.
In the world of mobile technology, Samsung continues to push boundaries with its innovative products. One such innovation is Samsung DeX (DEsktop eXperience), a mobile desktop solution introduced in 2017 for the Galaxy S8. However, despite its potential, DeX has not gained widespread consumer popularity.
The Galaxy S10, released without DeX, comes equipped with an impressive 12GB of RAM, a move intended to bolster DeX’s performance, enabling smoother multitasking and more robust desktop-like experiences on mobile hardware. This high memory could also be aimed at improving performance with Linux on Galaxy, a possibility that Samsung may be considering in the future.
The idea of Linux on Galaxy devices represents a significant evolution in DeX’s future. Support for Linux environments directly on Galaxy smartphones would greatly enhance DeX’s appeal for developers and power users, enabling a full desktop Linux system for software development, programming, and more versatile computing tasks. This would help address early criticisms that DeX's Android-based environment was limited compared to traditional desktop operating systems.
Samsung's decision to make DeX compatible with any USB to HDMI connection, as seen with the Note 9 and Tab S4, has made it more accessible. Previously, the product required a $150 docking station. However, competition from traditional laptops and tablets, limited unique use cases, and the need for compatible hardware and accessories continue to limit DeX’s mainstream appeal.
When hooked up, a device using DeX acts as a touchpad for navigation and text entry. This feature, along with the recent enhancements to DeX leveraging Android 16’s Desktop Mode, offers smarter multitasking and better productivity tools.
The landscape of mobile computing is changing, with Google's Chrome OS and Microsoft's Surface Go offering slim, light, and inexpensive desktop operating systems that can do everything a phone does with a more "comfortable" display and keyboard system. Both companies are showing interest in using Linux to bolster desktop productivity, with Google turning Chrome OS into something people want, and Microsoft building the Surface Go, which runs Windows 10.
As for the future of DeX on the Galaxy S10+, the author speculates that Samsung may be waiting to see what Microsoft and Google can do with Linux before offering it on the Galaxy S10+. The continued existence of DeX on newer Galaxy devices may be due to Samsung's inability to remove it.
In conclusion, while technical improvements such as the 12GB RAM and potential Linux support promise a more powerful and flexible future for DeX, these improvements primarily target advanced users rather than everyday consumers. For DeX to gain widespread popularity, it must offer a "killer app" or use case that appeals to the general public and addresses the competition from traditional computing devices.
[1] Source: TechCrunch, "Samsung DeX: A mobile desktop solution that's struggling to find its place," 2019. [4] Source: The Verge, "Samsung DeX: The mobile desktop experience that's still searching for a purpose," 2019.
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