8 Floating Apps for Real Multitasking on Android
The Advantage of Floating Apps on Android
While Android offers capable multitasking features, a key enhancement lies in the ability to display multiple applications simultaneously on the screen. This is especially beneficial when utilizing a larger tablet device.
Floating apps address this requirement by providing a solution for persistent, on-screen access.
How Floating Apps Enhance Functionality
These applications operate as windows that remain visible above other open apps. This allows users to engage in activities like video playback, web browsing, or note-taking without interrupting their current task.
Essentially, floating apps highlight the inherent flexibility of the Android operating system.
Android's Flexibility Compared to Other Systems
The functionality offered by floating apps demonstrates a significant difference between Android and other operating systems.
- Android’s interface is demonstrably more adaptable than that of iOS.
- It also surpasses the capabilities of the Modern UI found in Windows.
This increased flexibility provides Android users with a more versatile and efficient mobile experience.
Browsers
Floating Browser Flux, a complimentary application, and OverSkreen, a paid option currently unavailable for Android Jelly Bean, represent two widely used floating browser solutions.
These applications enable users to browse the internet concurrently with other app usage. It's possible to open several floating browser instances and simultaneously view numerous webpages.
Alternatively, users can combine both functionalities – browsing alongside other applications and managing multiple floating browser windows.
Video Players
The application of pop-up functionality is particularly evident in video players, especially when utilized on larger tablet devices.
This allows users to continue viewing video content while simultaneously engaging with other applications, such as web browsing or email.
Several free floating video player options are available, including DicePlayer, BSPlayer, and Super Video.
Alternatively, Stick It! offers a paid solution that extends support to include YouTube videos alongside locally stored video files.
Notepad
Do you find yourself needing to jot down notes while consulting web pages, PDFs, or various other document types? Constantly switching between a dedicated note-taking application and the primary program you are working with can prove inefficient.
Consider utilizing hovernote, a notes application designed to remain visible above other running applications. This allows for convenient, on-the-fly note-taking.
While hovernote is a commercial application, currently there are no comparable free floating notes apps available on the Google Play Store.
This provides a streamlined workflow for users who require simultaneous access to information and note-taking capabilities.
Hovernote offers a solution to the common problem of application switching during research or document review.
Chat & IRC
Traditional desktop chat applications, such as ICQ, AIM, MSN, Pidgin, and Trillian, generally didn't require a full-screen interface. However, many tablet applications default to this mode.
LilyPad offers a solution by providing a floating chat window. This allows users to continue chatting on platforms like Google Talk, Facebook, and Windows Live Messenger (MSN) without leaving their current task.
The application's creators have indicated that support for AIM, Yahoo, and Jabber will be added in future updates.
For those who still utilize IRC for communication, FloatIRC presents a viable option.
FloatIRC is designed to provide a floating interface for IRC clients.
Calculator
The standard calculator application on Android devices can appear disproportionate when displayed in full-screen mode on tablets. Consider utilizing AirCalc or Float Calculator as alternatives.
Both of these applications are available at no cost and provide the functionality of using a calculator concurrently with other applications.
Alternative Calculator Options
These apps offer a more streamlined experience, particularly on larger screens.
- AirCalc provides a flexible calculator window.
- Float Calculator allows for continuous calculation while multitasking.
Both options enhance productivity by eliminating the need to switch between applications for simple calculations.
They represent practical solutions for users who frequently require a calculator while engaged in other tasks on their Android tablets.
Leveraging Android Widgets as Floating Applications
Although dedicated floating applications offer convenience, the current availability is somewhat restricted. Specifically, there isn't a floating app readily available for services like Gmail or a Pandora music player. However, Android’s widget system provides a robust alternative.
Many applications already feature widgets designed for placement on your home screen. Utilizing a floating app, such as Floating Banner (a free option) or Floating Widget (a paid application), enables the conversion of any existing widget into a floating window.
Transforming Widgets into Floating Apps
If a suitable floating application cannot be located to directly fulfill your requirements, consider exploring available widgets. These widgets can then be adapted into floating apps through the use of specialized software.
This approach offers a flexible solution for achieving multitasking functionality on Android devices. It allows users to access information and controls from various applications without needing to switch between them constantly.
- Floating Banner: A free application for creating floating widgets.
- Floating Widget: A paid application offering similar functionality.
By combining the versatility of Android widgets with the convenience of floating apps, users can significantly enhance their multitasking experience. This method effectively expands the possibilities beyond the limitations of currently available dedicated floating applications.
AirTerm: A Floating Linux Terminal for Android
AirTerm provides users with a convenient, floating Linux terminal experience directly on their Android devices. This application enables functionalities such as SSH access to Linux servers.
It also offers a native terminal environment for Android, which is especially beneficial for users with rooted devices.
Key Features and Availability
The application distinguishes itself by presenting these terminal functions within a floating window.
While AirTerm is a paid application, it currently stands as the sole offering of its kind available on the Google Play Store.
This unique feature allows for multitasking while maintaining access to a powerful command-line interface.
System Statistics MonitoringSeveral applications, including Cool Tool (available at no cost) and PerfMon (a paid option), provide a persistent, floating window displaying crucial system statistics for your Android device.
These tools offer real-time insights into resource utilization and other key performance indicators, allowing for continuous monitoring if desired.
Developing Floating Applications
For Android developers interested in building their own floating applications, the StandOut library presents a valuable resource.
This open-source library simplifies the process of creating applications that maintain a floating window on the screen.
StandOut empowers developers to implement this functionality with greater ease and efficiency.
It provides the necessary tools and framework for crafting unique and engaging user experiences.