The Ultimate Guide to Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s New Desktop Mode!
August 30, 2024 | by Smith Elsie
Hello everyone, this is ETA Prime once more! Today, we’ll look at the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s integrated desktop mode. It’s unclear if this feature is compatible with the standard Pixel 9 however it does work with the Pixel 9 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with built-in support for video via USB Type-C, or Alt Mode. You may activate desktop mode with multi-window capability and resizable windows by making a few little adjustments. For Pixel owners who are itching for a big-screen configuration, it provides a useful desktop experience, while not being as well-designed as Samsung Dex or Motorola Ready For.
Getting Started
You will first need an adapter or a monitor that can accept USB Type-C video input. Amazon offers a wide range of reasonably priced choices, including USB Type-C Steam Deck docks. To assist you in finding what you need, I’ve included a few links in the description.
Initial Setup
When the Pixel 9 Pro XL is attached to an external monitor, it will automatically reflect its display. Your phone will prompt you to choose whether or not to mirror the screen. This requires no additional setting and functions right out of the box. As opposed to Chromecast or other wireless techniques, this wired connection guarantees zero input lag. This mode allows you to play games and watch videos, but it does not support multi-windows.
Enabling Desktop Mode
Here’s how to enable desktop mode:
- Enable Developer Options:
- Go to Settings > About Phone.
- Tap on Build Number several times until you see a prompt that you’re now a developer.
- Access Developer Options:
- Back out to Settings > System > Developer Options.
- Enable Force Desktop Mode and Freeform Windows.
- Activate Force Activities to be Resizable to allow multi-app usage and window resizing.
- Reboot Your Device:
- Restart your phone to apply these changes.
Using Desktop Mode
If you want to improve your desktop experience, you should download Taskbar from Google Play. This program offers a more conventional desktop interface, which facilitates navigating. Here’s how to configure it:
- Install Taskbar:
- Download and install Taskbar from Google Play.
- Launch the app and grant the necessary permissions.
- Go to the Desktop Mode section in Taskbar settings and ensure it’s enabled.
- Connect Your Phone:
- Connect your Pixel 9 Pro XL to an external display after setting up Taskbar. While the mirroring question will still appear, choosing it will now allow you to view desktop content in full screen.
Navigating Desktop Mode
On your external display, you will see a new Taskbar if desktop mode is active. This offers an interface that is more desktop-like and gives you the ability to open and manage several windows. This is how it operates:
- Multi-Window Support: You may quickly open, resize, and switch between numerous applications. For example, Chrome works better when launched in desktop mode, and you may adjust the window’s size to suit your needs.
- Taskbar functionality includes an app panel for convenient navigation and access to recently used apps. It does not have a snap capability, but it does allow for resizable windows and the simultaneous use of numerous apps.
- Widgets: You may also add widgets to the taskbar to provide quick access to different features. You are free to alter my configuration to your preference, even if I haven’t added any.
Customizing Your Desktop Wallpaper
Customizing your wallpaper is one of the wonderful aspects of desktop mode. In contrast to altering the wallpaper on your phone, you may right-click on the desktop to bring up the desktop wallpaper customization menu. This lets you customize without changing the main screen of your phone. For instance, you may select a lively, entertaining wallpaper; nevertheless, I’ve discovered that anything a tad too pink might not be to everyone’s taste. All you have to do is go back to the device’s wallpaper if necessary.
Web Browsing on the Big Screen
When the Pixel 9 Pro XL is in desktop mode, it becomes a considerably more productive tool. For web browsing, the larger screen is ideal because it lets you manage many tabs and have a more engaging experience. Having a larger display available might be quite helpful when starting a new project or conducting research for a job.
Video Editing on a Larger Canvas
If you enjoy editing videos, desktop mode offers a roomy workspace for your tasks. Although you can use any video editing program that meets your needs, I personally choose Adobe Rush. The G4 CPU in the Pixel 9 Pro XL performs tasks with ease, however it might not be as quick as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. You can easily create new projects, sift between timelines, and export your films quickly. It is a feasible choice for on-the-go video editing because of the color presets and editing capabilities that are offered.
Spreadsheet Management
When using Google Sheets or other comparable apps, people who work with spreadsheets can find that the larger screen in desktop mode is really helpful. Without the limitations of a smaller phone screen, this configuration facilitates data management, allows for the viewing of numerous columns, and enhances productivity.
Gaming on a Bigger Screen
Another place where desktop mode excels is gaming. Upon testing, I discovered that Minecraft runs well in desktop mode and scales well. The new G4 CPU in the Pixel 9 Pro XL has enough capability to run games like Minecraft at top speed. I used Bluetooth to connect an Xbox controller, and it functioned well without any more setup.
Call of Duty Mobile did well too. It operated without a hitch when I set it to really high settings and hyper frame rate. Despite the resolution appearing to be limited to 60, the whole experience was quite pleasing.
Emulation Fun
Another interesting application for desktop mode is emulation. When I used the Redream emulator to try Dreamcast emulation, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 ran at 1080p full speed. PSP titles with good 4X resolution included Chains of Olympus. For those who enjoy gaming, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a flexible gadget that can handle these duties with ease.
Conclusion
Since this desktop mode isn’t as sophisticated as Samsung Dex or Motorola Ready For, Google isn’t pushing it as much. For Pixel owners, though, it provides a useful means of extending your phone’s capabilities to a bigger screen. Installing Taskbar gives you access to extra settings that improve your desktop experience and facilitate multitasking and navigation.
You’ll need an adaptor dock system or a display that accepts USB Type-C video input in order to get started. Links to a few suggested docks and stands will be included in the description.
This concludes the guide! Please leave a comment below if you have any queries or ideas regarding using desktop mode on your Pixel 9 Pro XL. Additionally, the procedure is the same if you’re using a Pixel 8 Pro XL to use this feature. Thank you for watching, and check back soon for more reviews and tech advice!