Many are the virtues it offers Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The possibility of using the S Pen as if it were a pencil, its excellent performance or its 5,5-inch panel are a good example of this. And, the truth is that when this terminal is used, new features are discovered.
But not all functionalities were available on this phablet when it was launched. Something that was fixed last week when an update was received via OTA (Over The Air), which set the version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 build to JR003C.N7100XXALJ1It includes one of the most striking possibilities of this new device: Multiview. Or, in other words, the option to split the screen in two to use different applications, such as the browser and email, side by side.
How to start Multiview
There aren't many explanations regarding how to use this feature, including how to start it... something that can be frustrating for those who have an updated Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (we know of more than one case). Well, the way to activate split screen is: pressing and holding the Back button (the one with a backward arrow) at the bottom right, just below the screen. The same must be done to close the Multiview functionality.
Once activated, a tab appears on the left side of the screen (which can be placed in any other location by simply dragging it). If you click on it, a drop-down menu appears in which they are all supported application icons. If you click on any of them, the program is executed and, so that another application can be viewed in parallel, you only have to click on the chosen one and drag it to the position -upper or lower- in which you want it to be seen. As simple as that.
From that very moment both applications can be used as normal, but on a 2,2-inch screen. The functionality is total and it is verified that what Samsung has said is a reality: Galaxy Note 2 is multitasking, and this is the obvious proof.
Simple, fast, efficient ... this is Multiview, it is true that communication has been lacking when it comes to explaining how it is used and executed, but once it is known, there is no problem. And, best of all, when you start to use it, you appreciate the utility that has the functionality, which is a lot…You can even watch a video and browse the Internet!
Compatibility, limits and how to expand them
Natively, Multiview works with a list of compatible apps (Samsung, Google and some third parties). The developer community discovered how remove this restriction to use multi-window with any installed app. To do this you need root and, depending on the method chosen, a recovery personalized or well ADB to replace the component that manages the list.
There are two main approaches: 1) Flash From recovery, a modified version of the multi-window APK to enable all apps; 2) Push the apk by ADB with superuser permissions if you don't want to install recovery. In both cases, it's a good idea make backup from the original file in case it needs to be restored.
Furthermore, it is possible edit the list of allowed apps adding specific packages, for example:
- Create a label in the whitelist file.
- Inside, insert the package name of the app (visible in the Google Play URL).
- Example for Spotify: com.spotify.mobile.android.ui
- The item would be as follows: com.spotify.mobile.android.ui
After saving and restarting, the added applications will appear in the Side panel from Multiview. This is a homemade solution: some apps might not scale well or exhibit abnormal behavior.
How to get Multiview if it doesn't appear
If your Note 2 does not display the feature, make sure you have the OTA update with the corresponding compilation or use samsung kies to update. Once installed, the gesture of keep Back you must activate the side panel.
Usage and productivity tips
When working with two apps, you can adjust the divider to give more space to one or the other; a tap on the center bar allows exchange positions or convert an app into a single window. Case studies: email + Google Maps, messaging + video or notes with S Pen while reviewing a document.
Note 2 in context: hardware and S Pen for multi-window support
The multi-window experience is supported by reliable hardware: 5,5-inch Super AMOLED HD display (1280×720), quad-core processor a 1,6 GHz, 2 GB of RAM and a 3.100 mAh battery capable of enduring long days. In cameras, 8 MP rear and 1,9 MP front, enough for Full HD video and smooth video calls.
El S Pen adds value with features such as proximity preview, quick screen snipping and the pop-up browser, which fit with Multiview by reducing context switches and speeding up everyday actions.
Multi View on Samsung TVs (useful reference)
Although it does not apply to the Note 2, Samsung also calls it MultiView to the feature on their TVs that allows you to watch multiple sources at once. On TVs, it supports HDMI sources (STB, consoles, handhelds), sintonizador, mobile mirroring, laptop duplication, YouTube streaming, USB cameras y SmartThings cameras. Among the compatible apps are: Samsung TVPlus, YouTube y YouTube TV. To download apps on your TV: press Home in command, enters Apps > Search, locate the app and tap Download.
On mobile, Multi View TV mirroring works with Android devices starting from Android 4.2, equipment compatible with AirPlay 2 (iPhone, iPad, Mac) and Windows 10 or higher. Specific availability may vary depending on TV model and region.
La multi-window The Galaxy Note 2 shines when you understand its limits and how to push them: out of the box, it's stable and useful; with root and the expanded list, it becomes a complete productivity tool. If you also combine the S Pen and organize your app panel, you'll have a desktop-like workflow in your pocket.
