Android
Enable Samsung DeX using Taskbar 6.0 on some Android Devices
Enable Samsung DeX using Taskbar 6.0 on some Android Devices.
Android 10’s most exciting feature was desktop mode but it is still widely unknown. Samsung DeX is an extension of Android N’s Multi-Window mode which allows your device to cast a PC-like experience to the big screen with the same apps you use on your phone every day.
Android 10 added a secondary launcher which comes into play when an Android device with support for display output is hooked up to an external display. This Secondary Launcher activity is shown on the external display. This Secondary Launcher is barebones, it’s not useful as a productivity tool.
XDA Senior Member farmerbb has replaced the stock launcher on the external display and implemented it in Taskbar 6.0. The taskbar is an open-source Android app that puts a floating start menu and recent apps on top of any screen.
Taskbar supports launching Android apps freeform multi-window. Previously, farmerbb released a fork of the open-source Lawnchair launcher with Taskbar integrated into it but it had some issues. Now, farmerbb has updated Taskbar to version 6.0 to address all of the previous issues.
Desktop Mode with Taskbar 6.0
Setting up Taskbar’s desktop mode-- In Developer Options, turn on “enable freeform windows” and “force desktop mode” and then reboot your device. (The latter may be unavailable on some OEM software like ZenUI/ROG UI, but don’t worry if it’s not there.)
- Install Taskbar 6.0 (older versions won’t work) from Google Play.
- Open Taskbar’s settings and go to “Desktop Mode.” Enable it and grant the app permission to “display over other apps” as this is required for the app’s floating start menu to appear. Then, set the app as your default home app. Don’t worry, though, as the next prompt will ask you to set your preferred/primary launcher app, so Taskbar won’t be hijacking your home screen. (Note that on some devices, changing the default launcher will disable Android 10’s full-screen navigation gestures.)
- Next, I highly recommend you follow the instructions to “enable additional settings” for desktop mode. This will allow you to lower the DPI so UI elements aren’t enormous on the external display, to hide the navigation bar, and to even dim the phone’s screen to save battery life while it’s connected to the external display. You’ll have to set up ADB access on your PC and run the following command:
adb shell pm grant com.farmerbb.taskbar android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS(If you are using Taskbar’s “Donate” version, replace “com.farmerbb.taskbar” with “com.farmerbb.taskbar.paid” in the above command.)
- Finally, check to make sure that “usage access” has been enabled for Taskbar. Doing so will allow the app to show a row of your recently used applications in the start menu.
- Now, simply connect your phone to your external display using a USB Type-C to Type-C cable (if your external display supports Type-C input) or via a USB Type-C to HDMI adapter.
Once connected, you can use the start menu to launch apps, search for apps, add app icons to the home screen, open some system menus, and more. You can tap the icon next to the start menu to add/show widgets. You can launch multiple instances of windows and in some cases like Google Chrome, have multiple tabs.
There are loads of other options and changes in Taskbar 6.0, read the full changelog available here.
Download Taskbar 6.0
If you have one of the following smartphones, try this app:
- ASUS ROG Phone II
- Essential Phone
- OnePlus 7
- OnePlus 7 Pro
- OnePlus 7T
- OnePlus 7T Pro
- OnePlus 8
- OnePlus 8 Pro
- OPPO Reno 10X Zoom
Download Taskbar – PC-style productivity for Android
Download Taskbar (Donate Version)
Purchase USB 3.1 To HDMI Spliter
Also read: OnePlus Z Specifications, Indian Price and Launch date leaked
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Source:XDA Developers
Android
Google Announces Major Android Updates With Smarter AI Features and Better Cross-Device Connectivity
Android Updates 2026 Bring Smarter AI Features
Android updates 2026 are set to transform the overall user experience with Google introducing several new features focused on artificial intelligence, device connectivity, and stronger security. The latest announcement highlights how Android is evolving beyond smartphones and becoming a connected ecosystem powered by Gemini AI.
Google revealed that Gemini AI will now play a much bigger role across Android phones, cars, watches, tablets, and laptops. The company is aiming to create a seamless experience where users can continue tasks smoothly across multiple devices without interruptions.
Gemini AI Expands Across the Android Ecosystem
One of the biggest highlights from the latest Android update is deeper Gemini AI integration. Google is bringing AI-powered assistance to more devices, including Android Auto and Wear OS. Users will be able to access smarter suggestions, contextual responses, and better voice interactions while driving or using connected devices.
Gemini AI is also expected to improve productivity by helping users manage notifications, messages, and searches more efficiently. Google appears focused on making AI feel more natural and useful in everyday tasks rather than limiting it to standalone chatbot experiences.
Quick Share Gets Better Cross-Platform Support
Google has also improved Quick Share functionality. The updated feature will now support easier file sharing through QR codes, making transfers between Android devices much faster. In addition, Google is working on better compatibility for sharing files with iPhone users, reducing one of the long-standing limitations in the Android ecosystem.
The company says these changes are designed to simplify sharing photos, videos, and documents without depending on third-party apps.
Android Security Features Receive Major Improvements
Security remains another key focus in the latest Android updates. Google announced enhanced anti-scam protection and theft detection features aimed at protecting users from growing cyber threats. These tools will use AI-powered analysis to identify suspicious activities, fraudulent calls, and unauthorized access attempts in real time.
Google is also making it easier for users switching from iPhone to Android by improving the migration process for apps, contacts, and personal data.
Google’s Vision for the Future of Android
With these new upgrades, Google is positioning Android as a smarter and more connected platform powered heavily by AI. The latest Android updates show the company’s strategy of combining security, convenience, and cross-device functionality into a unified experience.
As competition in the smartphone industry continues to grow, these features could help Android users experience better productivity, stronger security, and smoother connectivity in daily life.
Also Read: OxygenOS 16.1 Update Brings Stunning Animations, AI Features and a Revamped Camera UI
OxygenOS 16.1 Update Brings Major Visual Upgrades and Smarter AI Features
OxygenOS 16.1 Update is finally rolling out for the OnePlus 15 series, and it introduces a huge list of improvements focused on animations, AI-powered tools, lock screen customization and camera enhancements. The latest software version also improves system smoothness and adds several useful quality-of-life upgrades for everyday users.
Smoother Animations Across the System
OnePlus has heavily optimized the overall user experience with OxygenOS 16.1. Floating windows now feel significantly smoother while resizing, dragging or switching to full screen mode. The notification panel and quick settings animations have also been refined for a more fluid interaction.
The update further improves app opening and closing animations by reducing scrolling jitters and improving touch response. Users can now expect a noticeably smoother experience throughout the interface.
New Lock Screen Experience
One of the biggest highlights of OxygenOS 16.1 is the redesigned lock screen interface. OnePlus has introduced capsule-style ongoing activities that resemble a dynamic island-inspired layout. Music playback, timers and notifications now appear in a cleaner animated pill-shaped design.
The lock screen animations also feature HDR-style rendering, making clocks and UI elements adapt beautifully to wallpapers and lighting effects. These visual enhancements make the interface feel more modern and premium.
AI Features Get Smarter
OxygenOS 16.1 introduces upgraded AI translation features that support offline translations using dedicated on-device AI models. Users traveling abroad can now translate menus, currencies and signboards directly through the camera app, even without an internet connection.
The update also improves document scanning with faster multi-page capture, automatic organization and better handwriting recognition. Users can export scanned text directly into Word documents with a single tap.
Revamped Camera Interface
The camera application has received a major redesign in OxygenOS 16.1. Settings and controls have been repositioned for easier access, while pop-up menus now feature smoother bounce animations.
OnePlus has also introduced new watermark styles called “Lumo” along with improved quick controls for portrait, macro and action modes. The updated UI looks cleaner and more user-friendly compared to previous versions.
Additional Improvements
The OxygenOS 16.1 update also adds:
- New home screen organization tools
- Color-based app sorting
- Enhanced spam call protection
- Custom speaker equalizer settings
- Improved battery usage statistics
- V5G status bar support for compatible networks
With these changes, OxygenOS 16.1 appears to be one of the biggest software upgrades released by OnePlus in recent months.
Also Read: OxygenOS 16 Hidden Features: Must-Know Settings Every OnePlus User Should Enable
Introduction
OxygenOS 16 hidden features bring a range of smart tools and practical settings that significantly improve everyday usability on OnePlus smartphones. Based on hands-on usage and real-device testing, these features are designed to enhance performance, convenience, and user control without requiring third-party apps.
Smart Tools Inside Phone Manager
One of the most underrated apps in OxygenOS 16 is the Phone Manager. It goes beyond basic cleaning and optimization by offering built-in tools like a network speed test and network diagnostics.
The speed test feature delivers accurate results comparable to browser-based tests, eliminating the need for external apps. It also provides detailed insights such as latency, upload/download speed, and estimated file transfer time. Additionally, the network diagnosis tool checks DNS, VPN, and IP configurations to identify connectivity issues instantly.
Battery and Performance Optimization Features
the battery graph by dragging across usage data.
A notable addition is the Video Battery Saver mode, which reduces battery consumption during video playback. While it may slightly affect media quality, it helps extend usage time, especially during long streaming sessions.
Smarter Sharing and Media Compatibility
OxygenOS 16 addresses a common issue with media compatibility. Users can enable automatic conversion of HEIF images to JPEG format while sharing, ensuring files open seamlessly across all devices.
Similarly, HDR and Dolby Vision videos can be converted to SDR during sharing, making them more widely compatible without requiring manual edits.
Connectivity and Privacy Enhancements
Connectivity becomes more seamless with Wi-Fi cloud sync, which automatically connects saved networks across multiple OnePlus devices logged into the same account.
Bluetooth settings now allow users to view and switch codec standards such as LHDC and SBC, offering better control over audio quality.
For privacy, the Unknown Tracker Alert feature notifies users if an unrecognized tracking device is moving with them, adding an important layer of personal security.
Additional Useful Features
Several smaller yet impactful features improve daily usability. Users can hide the status and navigation bars in screenshots for a cleaner look. The Clock app includes a “notify before ringing” option, which sends reminders before alarms go off.
The built-in step tracker also provides detailed activity insights, including distance covered and monthly progress, making it a useful health companion without needing extra apps.
Conclusion
OxygenOS 16 hidden features demonstrate how thoughtful software enhancements can improve the overall smartphone experience. From built-in diagnostic tools to smarter sharing and privacy options, these settings help users get more out of their OnePlus devices with minimal effort.
Also Read: Nothing Gallery Update Adds Drawing Tools, But Still Lags Behind OxygenOS Experience