This Android 16 feature will forever change the way you multitask.
In Android 16, a notable improvement will be introduced in the split-screen tool for tablets and foldable phones.
It is anticipated that Android 16 will not be available to the general public for several months, but it has already generated considerable interest, especially among tablet users. According to recent reports, this update is expected to significantly improve the split-screen mode, allowing users to run up to three applications simultaneously. This new feature, inspired by OnePlus's Open Canvas function, which was later adapted for the OnePlus Pad 2, will allocate screen space so that two applications take up 90% of the area, while the third will occupy the remaining 10%. To access the third application, users will simply need to tap on it, which will automatically readjust the screen. Additionally, users will be able to drag and drop items from the taskbar or view applications using a four-finger pinch gesture.
This advancement in split-screen mode was discovered in the second developer preview of Android 16. It is believed that the functionality will be compatible with both tablets and foldable phones, such as the Google Pixel 9 Fold Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. According to experts, this new feature is designed to enhance the user experience and will integrate effectively with the new app pairs feature in Android, which allows for the preservation of app states.
Open Canvas's exclusive multitasking system allows users to organize applications in different areas of the screen and resize them according to their needs, making it effective on larger displays like those of tablets and foldable phones. In addition, the first beta version of Android 16 includes the Privacy Dashboard, which allows users to review a week-long history of data access instead of the usual 24 hours, making it easier to identify applications that access inappropriate permissions.
Additional improvements in this update include an Audio Sharing capability, which will allow audio to be shared with multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously, and a Notification Cooldown feature, which will gradually reduce the volume of notifications from the same application over a specified period. Android 16 will not be available to smart device manufacturers until later in the year.
