Samsung's New DeX Mode: A Step Back or Progress Unseen?

Imagine connecting your Galaxy device to an external monitor and suddenly having a desktop PC right at your fingertips. This was the promise of Samsung’s DeX mode since its grand debut with the Galaxy S8 series in 2017. However, in a surprising move with their latest One UI 8 update, Samsung has transitioned from its iconic DeX system to a new, yet incomplete iteration based on Google’s Android 16 native Desktop Mode. According to SammyGuru, it’s a decision that has left avid DeX users feeling slightly bereft.

The Birth and Evolution of DeX

Samsung DeX has always been a beacon of innovation, allowing users to experience desktop-like functionality from the convenience of their smartphone. Forged in a time when Android lacked sophisticated desktop capabilities, DeX was Samsung’s solution—modifying core Android components to deliver a feature-rich, desktop windowing system. Collaborations with Google have been pivotal, leading to the adoption of Google’s native system.

The Missing Pieces that Matter

While the collaboration with Google suggests future enhancements, the current shift to Android 16’s Desktop Mode feels like a regression. For instance, the absence of auto-starting when connecting to an HDMI display is a notable oversight. Long-time fans also lament the loss of taskbar customizations like navigation buttons and volume control—a bittersweet farewell, indeed.

What We’ve Lost and Might Regain

Other significant features that users miss include the setting for choosing on-screen keyboard location and default audio output on a connected display. The ability to pin an app atop others, a feature cherished in multitasking, is conspicuously absent. Despite these losses, the partnership between Samsung and Google holds promise; future updates might reincorporate these beloved functionalities.

A Forward-Looking Approach

Despite immediate drawbacks, the future of Samsung’s DeX is not entirely bleak. As Google continues to refine Android’s desktop atmosphere, Samsung remains poised to benefit, integrating enhancements into future iterations of DeX. This powerful partnership aspires to marry Samsung’s innovation with Google’s burgeoning desktop solutions, potentially redefining what’s possible on Android devices.

As the saga of Samsung DeX unfolds, one can’t help but wonder: Is this the end of the beloved features or a harbinger of more revolutionary changes ahead?