Android Desktop Interface Leaked
A Google bug report on the Chromium Issue Tracker has inadvertently revealed the upcoming Android desktop interface. The report, initially concerning Chrome Incognito tabs, contained two screen captures that provided the first public glimpse of this new system.
The leak stems from a Google bug report, offering an accidental look at the Android desktop interface in development.
Device and Software Details
The screen captures were recorded on an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook, identified internally by the codename "Brya(Redrix)." This device is powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core (AlderLake-U) processor from 2021. The operating system, referred to as "ALOS" (standing for Aluminum OS – the codename for desktop Android), carries the build number ZL1A.260119.001.A1. Further references within the recording confirm this particular build as Android 16. Google is reportedly leveraging existing Chromebook hardware for the internal development and testing of this new desktop experience.
Key Interface Features Revealed
The leaked interface showcases several notable features optimized for a desktop environment:
- Status Bar: The status bar appears taller and specifically designed for larger screens, distinguishing it from existing tablet or phone-projected desktop modes. It prominently displays the time (including seconds) and date.
- Right-side Icons: On the right side of the status bar, icons for the Android 16 M3E battery, Wi-Fi, notifications, keyboard language ("EN"), Gemini, and a screen recorder pill are visible. The recording interface itself mirrors its mobile counterpart.
- Taskbar & Cursor: The Taskbar maintains its current iteration, while the mouse cursor has undergone a slight modification, now featuring a tail.
- Google Chrome: The Google Chrome interface largely aligns with the current large-screen Android version. However, a significant addition is an Extensions button, a feature previously exclusive to the desktop browser.
- Multitasking & Windowing: The leak also depicted split-screen multitasking. Desktop windowing remains mostly consistent, with the app name positioned on the left, and minimize, fullscreen, and close buttons that are similar to those found in ChromeOS.
A key revelation for Google Chrome on this new interface is the inclusion of an Extensions button, a feature previously exclusive to desktop browsers.