Key Points:
- Google introduces a new split-screen mode for its upcoming foldable phone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
- This mode allows users to run apps side-by-side in portrait orientation, ideal for the phone’s rumored square aspect ratio.
- The update represents a significant step forward in multitasking on Android devices.
Google is gearing up for the launch of its next foldable phone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with a software update that enhances multitasking capabilities. The key feature is a new split-screen mode that allows users to run apps side-by-side even in portrait orientation. This functionality is a major departure from the traditional top-bottom split typically found on Android smartphones with rectangular screens.
The innovation stems from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s unique design. Rumors suggest the phone will boast a near-square aspect ratio, making a left-right split in portrait mode a more practical and efficient use of the display. This functionality was first introduced in a beta version of Android 14 and has been further refined in subsequent updates. Code references within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) specifically mention the “Pixel Fold 2,” strongly hinting that this feature is tailor-made for the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Beyond the display’s aspect ratio, the phone’s high resolution also plays a role. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to have a resolution of 2,076 x 2,152 in portrait mode, further necessitating the left-right split option for optimal use of the screen real estate. This innovation extends beyond the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As the foldable market continues to grow, features like left-right split-screen multitasking in portrait mode will become increasingly crucial for maximizing the potential of these devices.
It’s important to remember that split-screen multitasking isn’t entirely new to Android, having been introduced in Android 7.0 Nougat back in 2016. However, the implementation on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with its unique form factor and high resolution, represents a significant leap forward in making multitasking a more intuitive and efficient experience on mobile devices.
With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s launch date approaching on August 13th, it will be interesting to see if Google has any further surprises in store for multitasking enthusiasts. While the current focus is on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the benefits of this update will likely extend to other foldable devices as well.
