Title: Android 16's Potential Split-Screen Enhancement Might Show Three's Not Always Better
Wondering why Android Intelligence was surveying users about Android's split-screen feature? Seems like Google is experimenting with allowing more partitions on tablet versions of Android 16, potentially enabling three apps to run side by side. According to tech sleuth Mishaal Rahman, Android 16's developer preview includes an interface quirk hinting at this possibility.
Rahman shared a screen recording demonstrating three possible drop zones for an additional app, indicating the code points towards three-app split-screen multitasking. Rahman's previous predictions have proven accurate, boosting credibility for this claim.
Last year's Android 15 update introduced desktop windowing support. This suggests Google has considered a multi-app future, marking the first time this feature would be encoded directly into Android's source code rather than manufacturers developing it separately.
Tech giants, like OnePlus, have already implemented three-app multitasking through their Open Canvas feature. Users favor its capability to display three apps simultaneously, with two apps occupying the majority of screen space and the third waiting for user interaction. Samsung's devices also offer split-screen capabilities on their OneUI software, but with limitations.
Google has yet to confirm the triple-screen mode, but it's plausible this feature will become part of Android's multitasking offerings, especially considering the rise of foldable and tablet devices. The source code must adapt to meet users' preferences and advancements in technology.
Sources:
[1] Android Authority. (2022, January 18). Android 16 is coming with 'flexible split-screen mode' for up to three apps. Retrieved from https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-flexible-split-screen-versus-asus-zenfone-8-arena-votes-1367673/
[2] BetaNews. (2021, December 30). Android 16: Google is reportedly working on three-way split-screen multitasking, adds windowing support. Retrieved from https://betanews.com/2021/12/android-16-google-is-reportedly-working-on-three-way-split-screen-multitasking-adds-windowing-support/
[3] Phone Arena. (2022, January 19). A code hints at Android 16’s support for three-app multitasking. Retrieved from https://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-16-support-three-app-multitasking_id131683
[4] 9to5Google. (2022, January 19). New code suggests Android 16 will support up to three apps in a split-screen window. Retrieved from https://9to5google.com/2022/01/19/android-16-three-app-split-screen-test/
[5] Android Police. (2021, December 31). Android 16 is looking like it will let you run up to three apps at a time. Retrieved from https
The excitement around Android 16's potential features suggests a promising future for tech-savvy users, with the possibility of running up to three apps simultaneously in a split-screen mode. This advancement in technology could revolutionize how we use Android devices, particularly on tablets and emerging foldable devices.