The interface with overlapping and resizable windows The popularization of desktop computers represented a revolution for computing. Well, Android N It's moving towards fully embracing that paradigm: not just the usual split screen, but a more flexible window management system closer to a classic desktop. This was expected, and now the system takes an additional step that points towards a multi-window mobile ecosystem fully functional.
New context menus
The new features come with a change in the context menusOn computers, they are invoked with the right mouse button; on mobile devices, with a long press. Until now, a window opened in the center of the screen with actions on the clicked element, but Android N anchors the menu next to the touch point.avoiding unnecessary movement and improving accuracy when working with multiple apps at once.
This change aims to ensure that, if two apps are open in multi-window mode or placed in corners, the menu appears near the origin of the action and not in the center, which facilitates workflow and anticipates scenarios with multiple windows and menus open simultaneously. They are clear signs of an Android that aims to perform smoothly on mobile phones, tablets and even desktop environments.
Multi-window in Android N: split screen and freeform
Android N consolidates the option of split screen and shapes the mode freeform windowswhich allows you to resize and move apps around the screen. The windows incorporate maximize and close controls Inspired by traditional desktops, this makes it easier to multitask and get more out of large screens and tablets.
The recent items view is evolving to clearly show the active apps and those in the background. Furthermore, the gesture of double tap the multitasking button It instantly switches between the current and previous apps, speeding up context switching when you're focused.
Advanced activation and developer options
In some builds, advanced multi-window may appear in Developer Options or in a section of Labs within experimental features. If available, simply enable support for free windows and restart to access additional controls.
For testing environments, one can use ADB and enable free mode support. The setting is experimental and may vary depending on the device and the installed build. Reference commands:
adb devices
adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1If necessary Reversing it is possible disable it:
adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 0These options are useful for developers and enthusiasts who want to validate adaptive interfaces, verify behaviors in responsive layouts and optimize the multi-window experience of your applications.
Desktop mode and improvements to window management
Google is experimenting with refinements that simplify the use of multiple apps simultaneously. In full-screen mode, some builds display a lightweight headboard bar with the app's icon and name, from which you can choose between full screen, split screen o free windowIn free form, that header adds action buttons and allows for more controlled movement and resizing, bringing the experience closer to a traditional desk when the device is connected to external monitors or docks.
These advances make it more natural to switch between modes, keep more than two apps in use, and organize space more efficiently. flexible, especially useful in desktop setups or in convertible tablets with keyboard and mouse.
Productivity: drag and drop, notifications, and multitasking
Multi-windowing makes sense with actions like drag and drop Text, images, or files between compatible apps. Copying snippets of a document to an email or moving an image to a chat is easy. faster and naturally, you constantly switch between applications.
The notification panel updates with direct answers from the alert itself, grouping of messages by app and customizable shortcuts in the top curtain. All of this reduces interruptions and promotes more efficient task management when multiple windows are open.
In the settings area, the visual changes are subtle but practical: preview of key statesA side menu for jumping between sections and improvements to category organization, so that modifying the system while working in multi-window mode requires fewer touches.
Performance and efficiency that accompany multi-window
To make all this run smoothly, Android N incorporates improvements to Energy Efficiency and performance. Doze activates more aggressively when the screen is off, reducing background activity and extending battery life. autonomy without affecting high priority notifications.
Installing apps is more speed boat tour Thanks to optimizations in ART, unnecessary waiting times after system updates disappear and resource consumption is reduced. RAMFurthermore, modern Java support through OpenJDK provides language benefits and performance improvements for developers.
New features continue to arrive in Android N, fitting with the idea of ​​a system capable of performing in mobiles, tablets and desktop scenariosThe combination of pinned context menus, flexible multi-window support, and performance improvements paints a picture of a more productive Android, ready for hybrid devices and for those who need true multitasking without sacrificing simplicity in everyday life.
