● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 positive
Pixel 11 Pro Fold introduces 'App Handles' for enhanced multitasking
Key points
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold ships with "App Handles" multitasking feature.
- "App Handles" creates a dock for floating app windows.
- A swipe-up gesture activates apps stored in the dock.
- Multiple apps can be stored and switched between easily.
Introducing App Handles
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, available now, features a new multitasking capability called "App Handles." This feature, previewed in a recent Canary build, is designed to enhance the user experience on foldable devices by providing a more structured way to manage floating application windows.
Functionality and Design
"App Handles" builds upon the existing "Bubbles" feature. Users can drag any application to the bottom-right corner of the display, which then launches it into a floating window. Unlike freely floating windows, these are locked into position, appearing over the current active application. The primary method of interaction is a swipe-up gesture from that corner, which activates the stored app.
Multitasking Benefits
This new system allows users to store multiple applications in this dedicated location, enabling quick switching between them. It functions as an additional layer of multitasking, complementing the ability to run two apps side-by-side on the inner display. When the device is closed, apps configured as "Handles" transition into "Bubbles" on the cover display, maintaining continuity.
Practical Applications
Examples of its utility include having Google Keep readily available for notes, keeping messaging apps accessible without fully leaving a primary application, or quickly accessing Chrome for research while reading in another app. This feature aims to provide a flexible multitasking solution without requiring full split-screen mode, which may not always be ideal for all applications or user preferences.
Availability
The "App Handles" feature is currently available on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. It is anticipated that this functionality will be rolled out to previous generations of Pixel devices through upcoming Android updates.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
The daily brief
One email each morning: the day's tech stories, clustered across outlets and summarized. No account needed.
One email a day. Unsubscribe in one click, any time.
Today's brief
Spend a few minutes, get the whole day. Every topic's top stories in one hands-free rundown — listen, watch, or read the transcript.
▶ Play today's brief
New every morning, and the back catalogue is archived by date.
Reporting from
Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold now includes a new multitasking feature called "App Handles," which allows users to launch apps into floating windows from a dedicated dock. This feature, built on "Bubbles," provides quick access to frequently used applications via a swipe-up gesture, improving multitasking on foldable devices.