Android 14 unlocks dual-screen potential on foldable devices, inspiring innovation for users and developers.
Google's Pixel Fold showcased this with its dual-screen interpreter mode, and Android 14 extends this to third-party apps.
To simplify access to foldable-specific capabilities, Google introduced the Jetpack WindowManager library, enabling developers to manage layouts and hinge angles.
The upcoming 1.2.0 library release will offer "experimental window APIs" for accessing the rear screen.
For Jetpack WindowManager to access features like the hinge angle sensor and rear screen, OEMs must integrate relevant Jetpack WindowManager Extensions modules.
These modules enable multi-pane layouts and hinge position optimization, especially in tabletop mode on foldables.
The window area module expands app capabilities, initially introduced in Android 13 QPR3 for rear display mode.
Android 14 enhances this module, enabling "dual display mode" on both inner and outer screens.
Google's API is open to all apps, offering flexibility based on OEM adoption.
Google and Samsung have integrated the window area module in their Android 14 releases, confirmed through successful testing on Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5 devices.
The Android 14 Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) requires devices with foldable displays to implement the appropriate Window Manager Extensions API version, tailored to their hardware capabilities.
Developers interested in exploring dual-screen potential can refer to the API reference for WindowArea classes under Jetpack WindowManager or study Google's sample code for rear and dual display modes.
Edited by Nikola Djuric
