Top 3 Key Points:
- Lock Screen Widgets Return: Google plans to bring back lock screen widgets in Android 15, inspired by Samsung’s consistent support for the feature.
- Desktop Mode for Tablets: Google is testing a Samsung DeX-like Desktop Mode that can run directly on a tablet’s screen.
- Tablet-Friendly Features: Both lock screen widgets and Desktop Mode are currently optimized for tablets in Android 15 beta.
Google is planning to reintroduce lock screen widgets with the release of Android 15, a feature that was once available in early Android versions but was removed with Android 5.0. This move seems to be influenced by Samsung, which has continued to support lock screen widgets on its devices. Google has already released four beta versions of Android 15, and recent updates show improvements in this feature, particularly for tablets.
In the latest Android 15 beta, tablets now feature a vertical bar on the right side of the screen, which can be dragged left to reveal a page called the ‘Glanceable Hub.’ This page is designed to display widgets that can be added, removed, or rearranged, though resizing is not an option. Users can swipe between the lock screen and the Glanceable Hub to access up to six widgets at once, with additional widgets accessible by swiping further. The widgets are also interactive, allowing users to perform tasks such as playing or pausing music.
While it’s unclear when Google will officially release this feature, it may debut with the Pixel Tablet 2. Samsung may also benefit from this development, as the integration of Android 15’s stock widget screen could reduce the need for custom coding in Samsung’s One UI 7.0.
In addition to lock screen widgets, Google appears to be testing a new desktop mode for tablets, inspired by Samsung DeX. Samsung DeX allows users to turn their devices into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Google’s version of this feature has been seen in the latest Android 15 beta, where a ‘Desktop’ button appears in the Recents Menu. This button allows users to transform an app’s window into a freeform mode that can be resized, moved, or snapped to either side of the screen, much like in Samsung’s DeX mode.
This new desktop mode also includes a taskbar where users can pin important apps, and tablet-optimized apps will open in dual-pane mode. Although Google’s Desktop Mode isn’t as polished as Samsung DeX, there’s potential for improvement before the final release of Android 15.
If Google successfully implements these features, it will further confirm Samsung’s influence in bringing innovative and practical features to Android devices.
