Android 16 to revamp multitasking with minimize tab for desktop windows

Google is testing significant features for Android 16, including a minimize tab for desktop windows. The new addition is perfect for tablet users and will allow them to curtail certain windows on the home screen for a cleaner and clutter-free space.

Android 16 Beta 3 has introduced a new minimize button to the header bar of apps in desktop windowing mode. Also referred to as freeform windowing mode, it enables users to run various apps together in a resizable form for a PC-like experience.

Under this mode, every app gets a small handle that lets users reduce the size of the app window to some extent by dragging it to the home screen. Hereafter, one can open another app and work simultaneously without facing any interruptions.

But this feature had a drawback. It didn’t have a minimize button in the header bar. As a result, users were required to close the app window entirely to remove it from the view, which also closes the respective application and often deletes data.

Android 16 to revamp multitasking with minimize tab for desktop windows (Image Credits: Google)

Now, the company is bringing a minimize tab to the same mode for desktop windows in Android 16. Tapping the tool eventually hides the window from the screen.

One can easily open it by clicking on the app’s icon in the taskbar. In case you minimize all the apps, the device system will exit the desktop windowing, but the apps will remain open so you can launch them without losing any data.

Apps like YouTube can easily run in the picture-in-picture mode under the desktop windowing mode. These changes are simple yet significant to boost the overall user experience.

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