The Pixel Series Could Get a DeX-Like Feature Soon
Perhaps one of the biggest head-scratchers surrounding the Pixel device line is Google’s unexplained reluctance to allow users a display-out feature, something similar to what you’d get on Samsung’s DeX feature. For those unfamiliar, this would consist of directly plugging in your smartphone via a cable to an external display, allowing you to view your content on a larger screen.
Of course, this limitation could be bypassed using third-party methods, although Google “officially” does not provide this feature on its Pixel phones.
With that in mind, it looks like things might change soon, and we could see such a feature make its way to the Pixel series. According to recent findings from tech reporter Mishaal Rahman, it looks like Google has enabled DisplayPort Alternate Mode on the Pixel 8 devices. The feature was spotted on Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.
Photo by Mishaal Rahman/Android Authority
How does this work then? According to the report, when a user connects their Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro to an external screen with USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to HDMI adapter, they’ll be given an option to “mirror display.” Proceeding with this option will mirror a phone’s screen onto the external display, although if a user has “force desktop mode” enabled on their phone, then their device will instead show Android’s built-in desktop mode.
Photo by Mishaal Rahman/Android Authority
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It’s noted that this feature might be officially included with Android 15, alongside the launch of the Pixel 9 series. As such, we might be getting one step closer to seeing Google’s own version of DeX mode, which should no doubt add a new level of functionality to its Pixel devices.
Source: Android Authority