According to ExtremeTech, Google is reviving its “Bubble Anything” system for Android tablets that will allow users to open any app in floating bubble windows using drag-and-drop gestures. The feature, spotted in Android 25.10 Canary code, would let users drag apps from the taskbar to screen corners to create floating windows, potentially arriving in Android 16 QPR3 around March 2026. This development signals Google’s continued push toward making Android tablets more PC-like, though significant implementation challenges remain.
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The Long Road to Tablet Productivity
Google’s struggle to make Android tablets viable productivity devices spans over a decade. The original Android was designed for smartphones, and scaling it to larger screens has been an ongoing challenge. Previous multitasking attempts like split-screen mode and picture-in-picture have seen limited adoption, partly because most mobile apps aren’t designed for flexible window management. The fundamental issue isn’t just technical capability—it’s that computer multitasking on tablets requires rethinking app architecture and user workflows that were originally designed for single-task mobile usage.
Critical Implementation Challenges
The drag-and-drop approach, while intuitive for desktop users, introduces several potential friction points. First, discoverability remains a major concern—users may never find this feature without prominent education, and the corner-drag gesture could conflict with existing navigation patterns. Second, floating windows create new interaction complexities: how do users manage multiple overlapping windows? What happens to app state when windows are minimized? Most critically, many Android apps simply aren’t designed to function properly in resizable windows, potentially leading to layout issues and broken functionality. Google will need robust developer tools and clear design guidelines to prevent a fragmented experience.
Competitive Pressure and Market Positioning
This move comes as Google faces increasing pressure from both Apple’s Stage Manager and Samsung’s DeX environments. However, Google’s approach differs significantly—while Apple maintains tight control over which apps can run in windowed mode, Google’s “anything” philosophy could lead to either greater flexibility or greater chaos. For Pixel tablet users, this could be a compelling differentiator, but the real test will be whether third-party manufacturers can implement it consistently across different hardware configurations. The success of this feature depends heavily on whether developers see sufficient value in optimizing their mobile apps for windowed mode versus focusing on iOS or traditional desktop platforms.
Realistic Adoption Timeline
Given the projected 2026 timeline, Google has significant work ahead. The company needs to not only refine the technical implementation but also build a compelling ecosystem story. Success will require: robust developer adoption with meaningful app optimizations, clear user education about the feature’s benefits, and seamless integration with keyboard and mouse peripherals. If executed well, this could finally deliver on the promise of Android tablets as genuine productivity tools. However, history suggests that Google’s tablet ambitions often outpace both developer interest and consumer adoption—this feature’s ultimate impact will depend on solving the ecosystem challenges that have hampered previous multitasking initiatives.
