Google's March Pixel drop included a bunch of new features for its smartphones. One feature that wasn't mentioned is a new Pixel Desktop mode when you connect your phone to an external display.

The idea of connecting a smartphone to a monitor to instantly transform the interface into a desktop-like experience is nothing new, though. Samsung's phones and tablets have had DeX for years. Motorola phones offer Smart Connect, which turns even its low-end phones into a desktop experience.

It's surprisingly basic, but in a good way

The first time I connected my Pixel 10 Pro XL to the same Thunderbolt dock I normally use with my MacBook Pro, I was prompted to connect to an external display. I checked the box next to "Don't ask me again" and tapped the Desktop button. A few seconds later, my display flashed, and I was greeted with a bland desktop, lacking any picture, app icons, or shortcuts. My keyboard instantly connected and worked without issue, though I had to pair my mouse with the Pixel.

At the bottom of the screen is the taskbar, which uses the same apps I have placed there on my Pixel. To the right are three navigation buttons that used to be the standard way to navigate Android before it went gesture-only. That's it. It reminds me a lot of the early days of ChromeOS, or of using an early Android beta on a tablet.

Then I began clicking on app icons, and instead of watching miniaturized phone-like apps populate the screen, to my surprise, I saw what looked like full-fledged desktop apps open. Chrome is probably the best example as it looks very similar to the browser on a desktop, complete with a row of tabs along the top of the window; the same tabs I'd all but forgotten I had open on my Pixel.

In reality, all of the apps I've been using for the last few days are nothing more than beefed-up tablet apps. Only, instead of being locked to specific window sizes or even a column that's similar to the size of a phone app, I have complete freedom to resize each window to whatever shape or format I want. You can have up to five open apps at a time on the external display, plus another running on your Pixel phone — for a grand total of six apps.

When you open a new app on the desktop, and you're at the limit, the app that's been sitting idle the longest is closed.

Everything you need to use the Pixel's Desktop mode

To use the new Desktop mode, you'll need some extra hardware. You'll, of course, need a compatible Pixel phone, which means the Pixel 8 or newer, including foldables. Plus, you’ll need some sort of display, be it a TV in a hotel room, a portable USB-C display, or a computer monitor. A keyboard and mouse are also required, and so is a way to connect them all to your phone.

If you have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, you can pair them with your phone just like you would any other Bluetooth device.

Connecting your phone to a screen is done through its USB-C port. If you have a screen with a USB-C connection, then you're set. However, if you only have an HDMI cable for your monitor, you'll need an inexpensive USB-C hub. The USB-C hub also allows you to connect a hardwired keyboard and mouse, power for your phone, and, if you're so inclined, an Ethernet connection.

Don't leave your laptop at home yet

The Pixel's Desktop feature isn't perfect, though. For example, it's annoying that I can't lock my Pixel while using Desktop mode — the screen has to stay on, which in turn produces heat and potentially drains the battery faster.

That said, I've spent a lot of time using the new Desktop mode to reply to emails sitting in my inbox, answer texts, stream music (albeit through the phone's speaker), and even watch some YouTube Shorts.

And my favorite part? At the end of any work session, I unplug my phone, and everything I was just doing on a 32-inch display in front of me is now in the palm of my hand. I don't have to manage multiple devices, wonder where I put a file, or wait for stuff to sync over.

One day, a mobile phone that converts into a full-fledged desktop experience or laptop replacement will be the norm — but until then, I'll keep experimenting and have the confidence in knowing that my phone can pinch-hit for a laptop when needed.

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