Google is working on improving Chrome’s compatibility with Android’s new Desktop Mode, a feature currently available in developer preview with Android 16 QPR1. The feature allows users to experience a PC-like interface when connecting a compatible Pixel smartphone to an external display. Instead of mirroring the phone’s screen, Android’s Desktop Mode transforms the interface into a multi-window layout, enabling users to resize and manage apps freely.
As part of these improvements, Chrome will reportedly be able to automatically switch its user agent when used in Desktop Mode, allowing the browser to load desktop versions of websites by default instead of mobile layouts. This change aims to provide a smoother, more consistent browsing experience when Android devices are connected to larger screens.
According to reports, the latest Chrome update also introduces a refreshed interface designed for Desktop Mode. The browser now displays a full tab strip at the top, similar to the desktop version of Chrome, integrated directly into the window’s title bar. This interface includes standard buttons such as minimise, maximise, and close. Google has achieved this new layout using updated desktop windowing APIs in Android, giving Chrome a more polished and PC-like appearance.
Although many websites are responsive and automatically adjust to larger displays, some continue to display mobile versions due to Chrome’s unchanged user agent in Desktop Mode. To fix this, Google is testing a new Chrome flag that automatically enables the desktop user agent whenever the browser runs in this mode. This means users will no longer need to manually select “Desktop site” for each webpage, as Chrome will handle the switch automatically.
A demo video shared by a publication shows how this update enhances the browsing experience. On YouTube, the bottom navigation bar moves to a side panel, reflecting a desktop-style layout. Similarly, Reddit adapts by expanding its search bar, resizing posts, and displaying recommended communities in a broader, desktop-like format.
This update aligns with Google’s broader goal to position Android’s Desktop Mode as a practical alternative to traditional PCs, enhancing productivity and user convenience on larger screens.
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