Google is making strides to enhance multitasking capabilities on Android phones with a new feature called the bubble bar. This innovation allows any app to operate in a bubble, creating easy access to multiple applications from a consolidated interface.
Unlike the traditional split-screen mode which is limited to two apps, the bubble bar, paired with the “bubble anything” functionality, promises a more effective way to switch between several applications seamlessly. The bubble feature, initially introduced in Android 11, was designed primarily for messaging apps to facilitate conversations through floating windows, reminiscent of Facebook Messenger.
Yet, since its debut, few applications have embraced this functionality. The potential for broader application use remains underutilized, as many Android apps should theoretically integrate well within a bubble structure.
Evidence of Google’s ambition to realize the “bubble anything” feature surfaced last year, indicating that users could easily access multiple apps in bubbles while simultaneously using another application. In previous observations, it was noted that this functionality would be particularly advantageous on Android tablets, capitalizing on their larger screens and the bubble bar feature anchoring bubbles at the bottom corner of the display.
Recently, exploration through Android 16 Beta 4 revealed that Google is actively working on implementing the bubble bar on phones. This development is crucial, mainly as phones lack the ample screen space that allows for traditional desktop windowing modes.
Demonstrations of the bubble bar highlight its capability to manage three or more apps concurrently, although some glitches with certain applications remain. Moreover, Google is also categorizing different types of bubbles, such as chat or note bubbles, which will affect how badges are displayed.
Ongoing efforts to tackle lifecycle issues with apps in bubbles suggest that a robust multitasking experience is on the horizon for Android users.
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