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I test drove the new Android Desktop Mode with my Pixel, and it genuinely wowed me

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Why This Matters

The introduction of Android Desktop Mode on Pixel 8 and newer devices marks a significant step towards mobile-device convergence, enabling users to transform their smartphones into full desktop experiences. This development is particularly impactful given the increasing number of smartphone-only users who rely on their phones for productivity, highlighting a future where mobile devices can potentially replace traditional desktops for many tasks.

Key Takeaways

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ZDNET's key takeaways

Pixel 8 and newer phones now have access to Desktop Mode.

Android Desktop Mode turns your phone into a full-blown desktop experience.

You'll need an external monitor, a USB mouse, and a keyboard.

More than a decade ago, Canonical was working on what it called "desktop convergence." The idea was to combine a mobile device with a desktop device to create something far more useful.

Back then, it was a quaint idea with amazing possibilities. Now, however, it has even more compelling implications.

According to Pew Research, 98% of Americans own a smartphone. That same report concludes that at least 16% of Americans are "smartphone-only" users. In other words, one in six Americans owns neither a desktop nor a laptop computer and depends solely on their phone for online activity, productivity, and entertainment.

Also: The latest Pixel Drop arrives with 8 useful upgrades for your Android phone - what's new

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