Not a long time ago we commented than in the trial version of Android N It includes the option of being able to see the interface of the Google operating system in a similar way to Windows (although the truth is that the great similarity is with Remix OS, everything has to be said). The fact is that this possibility can be activated and we are going to explain how.
The option we are talking about, which allows you to freely adjust the windows that are open in Android N (and is called freeform), it allows to give a greater usability to the development. Thus, with devices with large screens or if the phone or tablet is connected to a television or tablet, productivity is increased ... which raises the question of the future of Chrome OS in the medium term.
Before proceeding, we must indicate some things to take into account. The first is that regardless of how the trial version of Android N was installed, most likely updates to this are no longer received automatically. In addition, the process is not exactly very simple, so you must be careful when following it and not skip any steps and vary the order.
The steps to be taken
Next we leave the processes that must be done to be able to activate freeform in Android N and, yes, there are certain requirements that must be met for this: the terminal must have the bootloader unprotected; a computer must be used with the tools fastboot installed; And, of course, have the trial version of Google's operating system.
The first thing to do is "flash" the device with Android N to install a tool recovery as TWRP (you should always use the appropriate one for your terminal). Once you locate it, place the file in the folder with the SDK that you have on your computer. Now you must do the following:
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Turn off the device and Restart it using the power and volume down buttons until you see the fastboot screen
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Now connect the terminal with Android N to computer and open a command line window and type the following: fastboot flash recovery [and the name of the image TWRP what have you downloaded]
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When it's all over, Starts In recovery mode, use the volume buttons to navigate between sections and the power button to make selections. You must use the recovery mode on your Android N phone.
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Now in the TWRP menu choose Mount and select system box
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On the computer, you must open a shell ADB (for which you have to open a command line window and type ADB Shell) and then type the following:
cd / system / etc / permissions sed -e "s / live_wallpaper / freeform_window_management /" android.software.live_wallpaper.xml> freeform.xml
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The next thing is that you restart your terminal with Android N and that you can now freely manipulate the size of the windows since when you open the recent apps you will appreciate that there is a box to do this
Others Tutorials for Google's operating system, without having to be Android N, you can find them at this link from our page.
Other ways to activate free windows (without root)
If you don't want to flash Nor modify partitions; there is a practical method that offers partial support: go to Settings > Developer options and activate Forcing activities to be resizableNext, install the Taskbar app from Google Play, go into its settings, and activate it. Freeform Windows support; launches Taskbar to display its floating launcher. A useful trick is clear recent appsOpen that empty screen again and, from the Taskbar drawer icon, launch the app you want: this usually opens it in a window more reliably.
Full activation with ADB (without recovery)
For broader support without installing third-party apps, enable the USB debugging (Settings > About phone > tap Build number several times to unlock Developer options). Connect the device to the computer using ADB and run:
adb devices adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1
After restarting, you'll see additional options in the view. Recent apps To open apps in windowed mode. If you wish to disable it, run: adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 0.
Freeform mode usage, tips and limitations
Freeform mode is experimentalYou can move and resize windows by their edges; sometimes you'll notice them closing or the interface flickering when you resize. If an app doesn't open in a window, close everything in recent apps and... try again From the Taskbar launcher or from Recents. In many launchers, it works better with Google Now/Pixel Launcher, although it's not required.
Picture-in-Picture and floating windows in apps
Do not confuse freeform with Picture-in-Picture (PiP)Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a small floating window designed for video or browsing. To check which apps support PiP, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Special access > Picture in Picture. Apps like WhatsApp They play YouTube, Facebook, or other videos in thumbnail format; from the app's information you can enable or disable PiPIf a video opens in full screen, tap the PiP icon in the corner to switch it to windowed mode.
Related functions according to the manufacturer
Some layers add extra features to multitasking: multi-instance to open two windows of the same app (for example, Samsung Internet, Files, Notes, or Office on compatible devices), panels like Edge to save split-screen layouts, and gestures to reduce to a floating window when an app is in full-screen mode. These features depend on the manufacturer and may vary.
Clarification: System windows vs. browser windows
Android's resizable windows are not browser "pop-ups." If what bothers you are the Chrome pop-ups On your computer, you can manage them from Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects, and adjust permissions per site as needed.
Enabling freeform in Android N is a powerful way to enhance the productivity on large screens. You can opt for the recovery method explained above, choosing activation by ADB for full support without flashing, or stick with the simple route via taskbarIf any combination doesn't work for you the first time, try clearing recent files and restarting: the feature is experimental, but when it's up and running it offers an experience very close to a laptop desktop.
