Tech Desk 
Mar 15, 2025
Android 16 is set to enhance multitasking with a much-needed feature: the ability to minimise desktop windows. This update, introduced in the Android 16 Beta 3 release, allows users to hide apps instead of closing them completely, making it easier to switch between tasks without losing progress.
Google initially released desktop windowing functionality in Android 15 QPR1 tablets, where apps could be run in freely resizable windows. However, this initial release was missing critical features such as a minimise button.
Android 16 offers better multitasking for tablets
With Android 16, there is now a minimise button included in the header bar of applications in desktop windowing mode, enhancing workflow and productivity.
Previously, users needed to close applications to hide them from sight, and this could lead to losing work that has not been saved. Currently, clicking on the minimise button hides the application, which can be restored from the taskbar. The taskbar indicator below the application icon becomes smaller when minimised and large again when opened.
Android 16 new features for freeform windowing
Apart from the minimise button, Android 16 also introduces other enhancements to freeform windowing. YouTube and other apps can now go into picture-in-picture mode when in desktop windowing, enabling users to view videos while they continue working on other activities. Chrome users can also drag tabs to open them in new windows, making browsing more convenient.
