Split Screen UI In The Works, Possibly For Android N

Google’s Pixel C, promoted as the first Android tablet “built end-to-end” by the Internet giant, debuted on the Google Store at $499 plus $149 for an optional magnetically attached full-size keyboard. The graphics-focused GFXBench also gave the Pixel C high scores for performance in both high- and low-level tests.

The addition of a split-screen mode could make the critical difference between the Pixel C’s current status as an interesting device with untapped potential and a possible future as a genuinely useful tool for working on the move. That may be exciting news for those who want to create after-market custom ROMs for the Pixel C, looking at the impressive hardware they will be able to use in the tablet. While Nexus has always been the brand for Android devices from Google.

According to Venture Beat, the Pixel C tablet goes head to head with the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the iPad Pro.

Apart from the new multitasking feature, Google’s team revealed in the session that there are plans to develop DisplayPort support for USB Type-C connector. When the keyboard isn’t needed, it tucks behind the tablet with magnets so it’s close by when needed. When closed against the Pixel C, the keyboard is inductively charged by the tablet so it does not need separate charging. Dubbed as ‘Android N, ‘ the OS is said to gain support for split-screen multitasking, which will let users have two different apps running side by side. DisplayPort is a technology that allows devices like the Pixel C to connect to other display devices.

If you happen to have your Pixel C already, you can hit the respective pages to pick up factory images and binaries for the Pixel C. It seems the tablet was originally conceived to run as a flagship for a touch-centric version of the Chrome OS codenamed “Project Athena”.

Finally, the team admitted that the Android ecosystem is still pretty lacking when it comes to tablet-optimized apps.

However, in its review – published just after Google’s announcement in September – Ars Technica called the Pixel C “well-built but clunky”. “Will be testing for y’all on the flight”.