Google has announced a developer preview for Android 15 that brings laptop-style window management and multitasking to tablets running Android. This mode allows apps to open in floating, resizable windows. A full-screen window can be “pulled” into windowing mode, which will open all subsequent apps in floating windows as well. Dragging an app back to the top of the screen will re-enter “tablet mode.”

There’s no mention of any Stage Manager-like limitations on the number for apps that can be open in windows at any given time. Android apps have generally been more adaptive than their iOS counterparts, since Android developers have had to deal with diverse hardware almost from the beginning. I would anticipate more apps would “just work” under this multitasking mode than on iPadOS with Stage Manager (but hopefully that changes).

Since the announcement of the Pixel Tablet in 2022, Google has been trying to reinvigorate developer enthusiasm around Android tablets. The Pixel Tablet comes bundled with a speaker dock for $499, and is designed to be used as a home hub when not in use. Google “relaunched” the Pixel Tablet in May for $399 without the speaker dock.

I haven’t seen any sales numbers, but I don’t get the impression its sold particularly well so far.

Google has not announced when laptop windowing for Android tablets will be available outside of the developer preview.

Link: Android Developers Blog