Keynotes of Google Pixel 8/Pro Supports External Display:
- With the latest Android beta, Google has finally enabled display output via USB-C on the Pixel 8 series, providing users with a more desktop-like experience, similar to Samsung’s DeX mode.
- Older Pixel phones lacked this feature, instead relying on DisplayLink adapters for wired screen mirroring capabilities.
Google is gradually introducing new productivity and safety features to the Pixel 8 series. First, the company introduced the ability to use its flagship smartphone as a webcam for a laptop. Now, adding the ability to connect the Pixel 8 to external displays via USB-C.
The new feature, discovered by Android Authority in Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, allows Pixel 8 owners to extend their phone’s display to a secondary, larger screen [just like the below pic].
This appears to be basic functionality that should already be available on advanced Pixel phones, but it’s a feature that Google has never properly included on any of its flagship phones.
All About Google Pixel 8/Pro Supports External Display
According to Android Authority, the new feature works by simply connecting a second display via USB-C cable. A prompt appears, offering the option to mirror your phone’s screen onto the larger display.
However, users should not expect a polished desktop experience because the second screen will display a larger version of their phone’s portrait view. If you want a more desktop-like experience, you can enable developer settings on your phone and toggle the “Force Desktop Mode” option to get a desktop-like OS experience. Moreover, It is possible to manually enable a desktop mode, but as the story points out, it is quite basic at this point.
Google is now working on a more advanced desktop mode, but it is unclear when this will come out officially. It’s possible that this new external display support tool is testing a full-fledged desktop mode slated for release later this year alongside the Pixel 9.
Notably, this feature has been available on Samsung devices equipped with the required hardware since 2017. It’s called Samsung DeX and has a more desktop-style interface. Aside from the use of USB-C, Samsung has also managed to transmit data wirelessly, making it even more appealing to those who require it.
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