Android Nougat Split-Screen Mode: A How-To Guide
Android 7.0 Nougat Introduces Native Split-Screen Functionality
Surprisingly, it took until Android 7.0 Nougat for the operating system to natively support running two applications simultaneously on the screen.
While multitasking on Android isn't novel—manufacturers like Samsung and LG have offered similar features for some time—previous solutions often relied on third-party workarounds. These typically involved modifying apps to force compatibility with split-screen mode, essentially constituting a makeshift solution. Now, Google provides a native implementation, ensuring broader compatibility across all devices running Android 7.0 or later—virtually any app should function correctly.
Using Split-Screen Mode: A Simple Process
The implementation is remarkably straightforward. There’s no need to enable a specific setting or toggle any options; the feature is simply active and readily available. This ease of use is a significant advantage.
Consider a scenario where you need to view a web browser and a Google Document concurrently. Begin by launching your preferred browser, such as Chrome.
With Chrome in the foreground, activate the “recent apps” button. The location of this button varies depending on the device—on a Pixel C, it’s positioned on the far right—but the process remains consistent across all Nougat-enabled devices.
Upon loading the recent apps cards, perform a long-press on the Chrome app. This will reveal two highlighted areas on either side or top and bottom of the screen, contingent on the device and its orientation.
Drag the Chrome window into one of these designated boxes. This action will position Chrome within that area of the display and simultaneously reload the recent apps menu on the remaining half.
From this point, you have two options: launch another recently used app or open a new application. To load a previously viewed app, simply tap its window—it will automatically populate the other half of the display.
Alternatively, if you wish to open Docs, which isn’t currently active, press the Home button while Chrome is positioned on one side. This will close the recent apps menu and slide Chrome to the edge of the screen—you’ll see a small portion of the window. From here, you can select an app from the home screen or app drawer on the unoccupied half of the screen.
Tapping an icon to launch a new app will automatically open it on the available portion of the screen and reposition Chrome. This completes the process—two applications running concurrently.
Adjusting and Closing Split-Screen Windows
The black bar situated in the center can be dragged horizontally (or vertically, depending on orientation) to resize both windows. This allows you to allocate more screen real estate to one app over the other, based on your needs.
To close either app, slide the divider all the way to one side of the display, effectively maximizing that app to fill the entire screen. This action will “minimize” the other window, returning it to the recent apps menu. You can then restore it by repeating the steps outlined previously.
This feature represents a long-awaited improvement for many Android users. Even infrequent use will be appreciated when the need arises to view two applications simultaneously—even on a mobile phone.