Mobile Commerce Press

A hidden multi-window mode has been identified and is stirring rumors over possible “Desktop Android” operating system.

While it’s too early to know for certain what Google has up its sleeves, there has been a recent wave of reports suggesting that Android N includes code that would make it possible to run a device in a split-screen mode that would make it possible to run two different applications, side by side.

This is a long awaited feature that is especially desirable for multitasking when using a tablet.

That said, if the reports are to be believed, it appears as though Google is trying to take things beyond that level. Buried within the multi-window code of Android N are mentions of an “experimental freeform windows” mode. The references to that mode occur several times within one of the major system files in Android, the “framework-res.apk”. Within that file, the list of strings occurs next to other options in the “Developer Settings” screen.

Those precise strings also appear in a range of other locations in Android N, as well, such as the SetupWizard and the SystemUI.

That said, the primary place appears to be the framework, which also contains different references to a “maximize” and “close” button which would be a requirement in this type of multi-screen feature. That said, there is reference to “recents freeform workspace” within the SystemUI, which likely notes the list of recently used applications.

Certain projections have suggested that it will have a resemblance to Remix OS (which is a third party form of Android that is meant for laptops and desktops) or display showing multiple windows as is the case in Samsung smartphones. Therefore, several Android apps would be able to be viewed on a device screen all at the same time. They would be contained within floating windows, mirroring the desktop operating system experience.

The split-screen mode that is reported to be a part of Android N require mobile apps to be resizable as the user needs it. Once the apps can be contained in smaller and larger windows, it won’t be long before the rest of a completely windowed OS can be created.

A recent study has shown that the situation has changed and children now want their parents to toss their phones.

In a striking turning of the tables, a recent study conducted by a team at the University of Washington has found that children are now in the position of wanting their parents to put their mobile technology devices away so that they can spend more time together.

Kids are getting sick of seeing their parents on their smartphones when the children want attention.

They have also pointed out that they feel like their parents are being hypocrites about their use of mobile technology, as kids are told that they have rules about when they can use smartphones and tablets, while parents go ahead and use them whenever they want – which is quite often. The study showed that kids watch their parents continually read and respond to emails, texts and calls from work, friends and family while at the dinner table, while their kids are told that they are not allowed to use their own devices.

Kids have expressed that they feel their parents are setting a bad example with regards to the use of mobile technology.

Children & Parents with mobile technology The study results suggest that parents might want to start living by example instead of laying down rules they don’t live by. The reason is that it is becoming much more difficult for their kids to understand the boundaries that have been set. The conclusion of the study indicated that parents will want to establish limits when it comes to the use of smartphones and tablets but that those rules should apply to the entire family, not just the youngest generation.

The lead researcher of the study, Alexis Hiniker, a doctoral student in human design at the university, said that parents will need to stick to the same rules they have set for their children. She stated that “Managing kids’ technology use was once much easier for parents – they switched off the television when a show was over or kept an eye on kids as they used the family computer in the living room.”

It was also determined that parents were not just failing to stick to the same rules as their kids but they were also setting some bad examples such as texting and driving. It is evident that the rapid evolution of mobile technology is changing the face of the standard family experience and that many parents have yet to find a harmonious balance with their kids.

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Android N code suggest new split-screen mode is on its way