A few months have passed since Android Authority demonstrated a new Android desktop mode that Google had hidden away within Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1. Arriving hot on the heels of Google adding DisplayPort Alt Mode support for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (curr. $699.99 on Amazon), the discovery of a new desktop mode for Pixel devices prompted various sources to speculate that the Pixel 9 series would ship with a Samsung DeX challenger later this year.

Initially, Google's next-generation flagships were expected to land this autumn, just in time to showcase Android 15. However, it has since emerged that the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will ship with Android 14. Although that seems unusual, it may be because of the fact that Android 15 will not be ready in time for Google's mid-August hardware launch event.

Nonetheless, it seems that Google has continued to refine its desktop mode as it developed Android 15. Now, Mishaal Rahman has revealed some of these changes, which include the ability to run desktop mode on a Pixel Tablet without needing an external display. For reference, Rahman managed to activate the functionality in Android 15 Beta 4.1, which landed last week.

Unfortunately, it remains to be seen whether Google will actually enable this desktop mode when it ships Android 15 later this year. Based on the lack of publicity around it, we imagine that it will remain a hidden feature that can be activated in Developer Options. Please see the video below and Rahman's write-up for further details.