The Pixel 8 series is finally getting a feature that will let you connect your device to an external monitor or a TV and use it in desktop mode. Yes, exactly like the Samsung DeX, but there are some limitations at the time of writing, and you might not be getting the experience you are looking for.
Pixel 8 devices can be used as full-fledged desktops with external monitors, but it's better to wait for the feature to develop even further
Android evangelist Mishaal Rahman discovered that in Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, there is a way that you can enable your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro to turn into a desktop computer. This is done through DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Now, by default, this mode is disabled, and you will need root access to enable it. With the release of the latest beta, Google has enabled it by default on the software side, as well. This means that you can connect your device to an external monitor or a TV and have the option to mirror display.
Of course, tapping it will allow you to mirror your phone's screen to an external display. You can actually go ahead and force the desktop mode in developer options on your Pixel 8 device, but currently, it is not fully fleshed out, which means that Google will need to put some work into the native desktop mode for stock Android.
It is also worth noting that this feature is currently only available on Pixel 8 series devices and does not work on older Pixel phones. The source claims that it is possible that Android 15 could bring a revamped and fully fleshed-out desktop mode, which will make a lot more sense, but until that happens, we will have to wait and see. Rahman also claims that there is a possibility that this DisplayPort Alternate mode was enabled by mistake, which means that it could be reverted with a future update. If something like this does happen, we will let you know.
Do you think it is a good idea to be able to use your Pixel 8 device as a desktop? Let us know what your preferences are in the comments below.
About the author: I have been tinkering with Android devices ever since the early days of the HTC Desire. Over time, I have grown a fondness for the ecosystem and now I cannot live without it. Although some might believe that I have sold my soul to Android, but I believe it is not the case. You can find me writing tutorials and posting guides on a number of different smartphones. When I am not writing here, I am wasting myself away in books, journals, or on Steam.
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