AllYouCanTech

Google’s Adoption of Desktop Mode in Android 16 Demonstrates Encouraging Advancement

Things are looking promising thus far.

Thanks to Android 16, the day I’ve been eagerly anticipating has finally come. After years of wishing Google would emulate Samsung’s model, it has indeed done so, bringing a true desktop mode to Pixel phones.

After spending a bit of time with it, I have a few reflections, but before I proceed, I must remind everyone that this is part of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2. Just keep that in mind if you decide to explore this yourself, as you’re likely to encounter a few bugs during the journey.

Getting started

If you install QPR1 Beta 2 and simply connect your Pixel to an external display, you may either see nothing or just your phone screen mirrored. That’s because Google isn’t quite ready to make desktop mode available to everyone right off the bat. Remember, this is a Developer Preview, not the public build.

Fortunately, enabling desktop mode is quite straightforward; you just need to activate Developer Options, toggle the “Enable desktop experience features,” and then reboot your phone. Now, when you connect your Pixel to an external display, it should present a desktop-like interface.

A solid beginning with potential for enhancement

For the most part, it looks exactly as I anticipated, which is notably similar to Samsung DeX. This isn’t surprising, given that Google sought Samsung’s assistance in the design and implementation.

The Dock aligns with whatever you previously added on your phone, apart from a few exceptions. On the far left is an app drawer; any apps you have open will appear to the right of the Dock, and on the far right are your standard navigation controls. However, you can still utilize some gestures if you have a trackpad connected to your phone or something like the NexDock.

I was somewhat anxious about how seamlessly I could move different app windows around. Thankfully, it’s been as smooth as I could have hoped, which was truly a relief, as I had some concerns about potential lag.

It’s not flawless, but Google has gotten many aspects right with desktop mode to the extent that I’m already comfortable using it routinely.

There are several additional features included in desktop mode that I wasn’t expecting, such as the ability to snap app windows to the left or right side simply by dragging the window to either side. There’s even a preview menu that appears when I hover my cursor over the “window control” button in the top right corner. You’re limited to just two choices (full-screen or split-screen), but it’s still useful to have.

At the same time, there’s definitely room for enhancement. Some of the more annoying issues are likely just minor nitpicks and can/will be resolved with future updates.

One of the more bothersome aspects is the toolbar that pops up whenever your cursor is in a text field, positioned above the Dock, which you can’t remove. There’s no option to hide it, and it overlays any other window, which drives me crazy.

The only way I’ve found to lessen the annoyance is by converting it into a vertical bar, moving it to the left side of the screen. On the positive side, you can reposition it left or right, or up or down, depending on the orientation.

Another point of irritation is how everything is managed when I detach and reattach my phone. For example, as I type this, I have multiple different app windows open on the NexDock.

However, when I disconnect my phone, attend to something else, and then reconnect, all the app windows disappear. There’s no “memory” of what I was doing, what windows were open, or how they were arranged.

I’m uncertain if this is something Google will genuinely implement, but perhaps we could see something like the “Welcome Recap” available on Chromebooks. This feature gives an overview of the apps that were open the last time the device was put to sleep. While I believe we are still a bit away from new features being added, I would at least like for my apps to reopen when I connect to an external display.

Finally, and again, this is more a matter of nuance than anything else, but I believe it would be quite cool if I could have a dual-screen setup with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and an external screen. In essence, I wish I could establish an “extended screen” scenario similar to Motorola’s Smart Connect, even if I wouldn’t be able to drag apps back and forth between the two.

I’m genuinely enthusiastic about desktop mode.

The recurring sentiment I’ve had during my brief experience with desktop mode on Android 16 is that it resembles a Chromebook significantly. I’m not quite sure if there was any way for Google to avoid

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Reasons to Opt for Gemini Instead of ChatGPT as Your AI Helper

If you haven’t explored Google AI since the Bard era, now is the perfect opportunity to revisit Gemini.

OpenAI surprised the tech industry, including heavyweights like Apple and Google. Nonetheless, these two companies reacted to ChatGPT’s triumph in entirely distinct manners. While the former is still attempting to establish its presence, Google has made a solid recovery, and many would argue that Gemini is a superior chatbot for the average user compared to ChatGPT in 2025.

If you’re still utilizing ChatGPT, I understand. Google’s initial foray into AI with Bard wasn’t optimal, but it has significantly improved during the Gemini phase. OpenAI’s 12-hour ChatGPT outage could be just the incentive needed to try out a rival, such as Gemini.

I have access to ChatGPT, Apple Intelligence, Perplexity, and more across my devices, yet Gemini stands out as the sole AI client I require. In fact, I haven’t used ChatGPT in two years, and these three features illustrate why.

Tailored models for specific functions

The diverse range of models and tools offered under the Gemini umbrella is a primary reason I choose Google AI’s offerings. There are a few key types of Gemini models, including Gemini Nano, Gemini Flash, and Gemini Pro. It gets more detailed than that in the specifics, especially considering variants like Gemini Personalization, but those three cover most of your AI requirements.

Gemini Nano manages on-device mobile AI tasks, Gemini Flash addresses simple, everyday requests, and Gemini Pro caters to advanced, specialized needs. They’re not just rivals to the latest ChatGPT models; they’re leaders. Google currently occupies the top two slots on LMArena’s leaderboard, both of which are preview versions of Gemini 2.5 Pro. The Gemini 2.5 Pro preview model also leads LMArena’s WebDev leaderboard.

OpenAI’s models share second place on the LMArena leaderboard, but they are found in seventh place on the WebDev rankings. The era of OpenAI models dominating every category is finished, as Gemini models outperform ChatGPT models in numerous significant benchmarks. There’s a model suited for every application, whether you require an efficient model for on-device processing, a lightweight model to lower token (cost) usage, a reasoning model that demonstrates its thought process, or a specialized model for particular purposes.

If the extensive selection of stock offerings doesn’t satisfy you, you can create Gems, which are custom AI chatbots similar to OpenAI’s custom GPTs.

Seamless integration with Android and ChromeOS

For the average user, understanding which AI model ranks higher on hyper-specific benchmarks is often irrelevant for day-to-day needs. This is why Gemini’s integration with popular mobile operating systems is its standout feature. With the Gemini app, you can use the service across several platforms, including iOS and iPadOS. However, things truly shine if you happen to own an Android phone, tablet, or a ChromeOS laptop.

Gemini is taking over from the Google Assistant, meaning the AI assistant is just a button press or voice command away on most Android devices. With Gemini Live, you can converse with the AI model in natural language and even share your screen or camera feed for added context. It’s not that ChatGPT lacks these capabilities; it’s that they are presented in a much more user-friendly way with Gemini.

This easy access makes Gemini a more effective companion for addressing real-world issues. I utilize Gemini Live to help determine why my plants aren’t thriving or what alternatives I can use for an ingredient in a recipe. Moreover, since Gemini tends to provide better online source citations for its responses, I can rapidly fact-check it in ways that aren’t as seamless with ChatGPT.

Integration is Gemini’s hallmark, and it’s poised to improve even further. Gemini is soon coming to Android Auto and Wear OS devices, enhancing access to AI features.

Collaborates with Google Search and Google Workspace

OpenAI has a significant advantage due to its partnership with Microsoft, making Copilot and ChatGPT integration with Microsoft 365 services better for those who utilize them. However, Google’s free and accessible Google Workspace model has encouraged many to abandon Microsoft 365 (formerly Office) for good. If that resonates with you, you’ll be pleased to learn that Gemini is deeply embedded within Workspace to assist in completing productivity tasks.

Gemini’s integration within Workspace applications is so profound that it’s impossible to highlight all aspects in one go. It appears in three main ways in the Workspace suite: powering individual features, as standalone applications, and as a chatbot sidebar.

For example, Workspace applications like Google Vids (an AI-driven presentation generator) and NotebookLM (an AI-driven notebook) are

Analysis of Android 16: Investigating Resemblances and Distinctions

**Android Central Verdict: Review of Android 16**

**Rating: 4 out of 5 stars**

Google isn’t making drastic changes with Android 16, and many of the notable features won’t launch until later this year. Instead, the newest Android version emphasizes simplifying phone usage; the predictive back gesture now functions consistently, text scaling on foldables has seen considerable improvements, Google is tackling notification overload, and a new battery health mode has been introduced. While it might not be thrilling, Android 16 compensates with enhancements in stability and usability.

**Pros:**
– Revamped security capabilities
– Effective battery management
– Minor usability improvements
– Better scaling on foldable devices

**Cons:**
– A majority of new features will arrive with the QPR1 build
– Exclusively available on Pixels until Q3
– Battery health feature not accessible on older devices

**Why you can trust Android Central**

Our knowledgeable reviewers dedicate hours to testing and evaluating products and services, ensuring you select the best option for your needs.

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Sonos Improves Audio Experience with ‘Dual Listening’ and TrueCinema Enhancements for Theater Sound

Hey, this comes just in time for the FIFA Club World Cup as well.

What you should be aware of

– Sonos announces that its Ace Bluetooth headphones are receiving a complimentary update today (June 10) that enhances several essential features.
– Now, the Ace headphones allow two users to enjoy the same synchronized audio from a Sonos Soundbar thanks to its TV Audio Swap feature.
– TrueCinema gains added realism as the Sonos Ace “comprehends” your environment for optimally tuned sound.

The home theater-style Bluetooth headphones from Sonos are acquiring a significant update that will enhance your sound quality.

In a press release, Sonos declared that it is set to launch an update for the Sonos Ace Bluetooth headphones. This update is being rolled out worldwide today (June 10) for consumers and will include a variety of enhanced features. Initially, Sonos mentions users can look forward to improvements in its TV Audio Swap feature. Now, two users can experience audio from the same TV through their own Sonos Ace headphones.

The company indicates this is available when connected to a Sonos Soundbar. In a statement from Sonos’ vice president of product, Chris Kallai, he expressed, “We’re excited to provide experiences we’ve heard our customers request, such as allowing two individuals to watch TV with their Sonos Ace headphones simultaneously.” Kallai also hinted at the work done with the TrueCinema experience, which is the next enhanced feature.

This TrueCinema update offers a more authentic surround sound experience, thanks to improved “perception.” Sonos mentions that the Ace headphones will now recognize the “dynamics” of your surroundings and “acoustically adjusts it” to imitate having a 3D sound system right next to you.

Immersive & Natural

The Sonos Ace update also includes refinements to the headphone’s active noise cancellation (ANC). The announcement notes this feature has been enhanced to account for your hair, glasses, and hat in “real-time.” The headphone’s sensors are activated to create a more immersive, satisfying audio experience, ensuring your sound doesn’t escape into the environment.

Finally, anyone making or receiving calls with their Ace headphones will benefit from “high resolution calls” and SideTone. Given how ANC envelops you in sound, both of these call features are designed to make conversations feel more natural. Consequently, users who update will be able to hear a portion of their voices while talking, serving as a quality of life improvement to its hands-free calling experience.

This update is being deployed today, and it will be complimentary. Users who update will find these features easily accessible for their Sonos Ace headphones.

When the headphones debuted in 2024, one aspect that stood out was that Sonos was clearly aiming for home theater-quality audio. Another notable feature was the comfortable fit and build quality of the Ace. In today’s announcement, Sonos’ vice president of design, Dana Krieger, remarked, “Sonos Ace was purposefully crafted to offer enduring value in both form and function.”

While the construction is claimed to be “timeless,” Sonos also allows users to replace the earcups. Basically, if there’s a bit too much wear and tear or if the cups have been damaged, you can easily swap them out.

Significant Enhancements in Google’s June Pixel Feature Release

Pixel users consistently receive a bonus with Google’s newest updates. The feature drop for June on Pixel devices, in conjunction with the Android 16 update, introduces an array of new functionalities and enhancements that improve the user experience.

**What You Need to Know:**
– Google is launching its June feature drop for Pixels together with the Android 16 update.
– This drop includes Pixel VIPs for your beloved contacts, new LE Audio capabilities for individuals with hearing aids, and the ability to create custom stickers through Pixel Studio.
– The company is also broadening Satellite SOS support to users in Australia and adding new languages to the Recorder app.

**Key Features:**
1. **Pixel VIPs:** A fresh widget that lets users designate their preferred contacts, complete with key information like birthdays and addresses. It also shows call history and recent texts, including WhatsApp communications. This functionality is available on Pixel 6 and later models, and VIPs can circumvent the Do Not Disturb feature.

2. **Satellite SOS:** Now accessible for Australian users with the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

3. **Recorder App:** Now supports French and German languages, with “Clear Voice” making its debut on the Pixel 8 series.

4. **Accessibility Improvements:** LE Audio features for hearing aids are currently available on Pixel 9 and newer devices equipped with Android 16. The Magnifier app aids users in understanding their environment through written requests and gentle vibrations.

5. **Google Photos Enhancements:** AI-driven editing tools provide quick, suggested actions for swifter photo editing. The Pixel camera now offers “visual inspiration” with guidance for each mode.

6. **Custom Stickers:** Pixel Studio enables users to create personalized stickers using generative AI. Users can input prompts to create unique stickers, and even utilize images of themselves.

7. **Expressive Captions:** Being rolled out in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, these captions convey emotions from content such as sports.

Pixel devices continue to deliver exclusive features and updates that enrich the overall user experience, ensuring that Pixel users consistently receive a little extra something.