Google is preparing a great new feature for Android tablets. It might significantly simplify multitasking for you too

Google is preparing an interesting new feature for Android tablets that will significantly simplify working with multiple applications at once. In the latest version of Android Canary 2510, evidence has emerged of a function that will allow launching any application in a floating bubble. Google tested a similar concept a year ago, but has now redesigned it to better fit the existing tablet interface. This was reported by renowned journalist and Android expert Mishaal Rahman in an article for Android Authority.

Dragging from the taskbar creates a floating window

The new feature will work very intuitively. It will be enough to drag an app icon from the taskbar to the bottom corners of the screen, and the app will automatically open in a smaller floating window. Google is preparing a special tutorial for this feature that will teach users how to perform the necessary gesture correctly.

Text strings describing the new functionality have appeared in the Pixel Launcher application code. Specifically, it’s a message “Drag an app to the bottom corners to make it floating” and a description of an animation showing the creation of a bubble by dragging from the taskbar. The animation captures dragging an app towards the right side of the screen, where a split-screen mode preview first appears. Instead of releasing the icon to activate split-screen, the user continues dragging to the bottom right corner, thereby launching the app in a compact bubble window.

Significant improvement in tablet multitasking

Until now, Android only allowed creating bubbles from conversation notifications in supported applications. The new feature extends this concept to all applications you have in the taskbar. Furthermore, the drag-from-taskbar approach is consistent with other tablet multitasking features – for example, split-screen mode is activated similarly.

The combination of floating bubbles with the existing bubble bar on tablets will enable comfortable work with two, three, or even more applications simultaneously. Similar systems have already been implemented into their custom UIs by some manufacturers, such as Xiaomi.

When will the feature appear in stable release?

Although Google has not officially confirmed the release, the addition of a tutorial suggests that the feature is indeed heading for a final version. The most likely timeframe is the third quarterly Android 16 update (QPR3), which should arrive in March 2026. Google has previously used quarterly updates to introduce important tablet and multitasking innovations.

Google is preparing a great new feature for Android tablets. It might significantly simplify multitasking for you too Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

The new floating bubble feature represents another step by Google to improve productivity on Android tablets. Along with the taskbar, desktop window mode, and improved drag-and-drop support, Android tablets are gradually approaching the capabilities of traditional computers.

Would you use floating app windows on your tablet?

Source: Android Authority