Google Pixel 8/Pro phones will support wired external displays for the first time

Google’s latest flagship phones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, have taken a significant leap by enabling support for wired external displays, a feature that was missing from previous Pixel models. This enhancement gives users a more desktop-like experience, similar to Samsung’s DeX mode, which allows seamless connection to monitors or TVs using USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort cables.

The Pixel 8 series – the first to support external displays

The Pixel 8/Pro series will become the first Google mobile phone that can be connected to a wired external display. After updating to Android 14 QPR3 beta system, it can be connected and used without any other operations. Ahead of the Pixel 8/Pro launch, tipster Kamila Wojciechowska said the phone supports USB DisplayPort Alt Mode, enabling video output via the USB-C interface.

tech blogger, Mishal Rahman recently found that after installing the Android 14 QPR3 Beta update, users can plug a USB Type-C to USB Type-C or HDMI video cable into the phone. This means that one end of the cable can be plugged into a compatible monitor. When this happened, the phone will pop up a dialog asking if you want to mirror your phone’s screen to an external display. After you click Connect, everything displayed on your phone will be copied to your monitor or TV.

If you want a more desktop-like experience, you can enable your phone’s developer settings and toggle the “Force desktop mode” option to get a desktop-like operating system experience. Rahman pointed this out the existing desktop mode is very basic but Google is apparently working on a more powerful version, which is expected to launch with Android 15 this fall and cannot be ruled out as one of the selling points of the Pixel 9 series.

Unfortunately, video output is not available on other Pixel devices. Additionally, Google has disabled DisplayPort Alt Mode at the hardware level. This means the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are the first phones to offer hardware support.

Development of external display support

The evolution of mobile phone external display support is a significant development in improving user experience and productivity. Historically, support for external displays has depended on the manufacturer, with early Android devices lacking this feature. However, advances in technology have led to innovations such as MobIES, a system that allows users to extend mobile interfaces using external screens.

Recent developments suggest that Google’s Pixel 8 series is introducing support for wired external displays, a feature that was missing from previous Pixel models. This enhancement allows users to connect their devices to monitors or TVs using USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort cables, providing a more desktop-like experience. While older Pixel phones lacked this support and relied on DisplayLink adapters for screen mirroring capabilities, the Pixel 8 now offers hardware-level support for DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which allows for seamless transmission of display output signals to external displays.

Desktop-like experience

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users can now enjoy a more flexible experience by connecting their devices to external monitors or TVs. By enabling the Mirror to external display option when connecting the phone via USB-C or an adapter, users can project the contents of their phone’s screen onto a larger display. Additionally, by enabling Forced Desktop Mode in the Developer options in the Settings app, users can access a rudimentary desktop-like interface that will undergo further improvements with Android 15.

User experience and recommendations

Enthusiasts have shared their experiences using this feature on platforms such as the GrapheneOS Discussion Forum, highlighting the potential for screen mirroring and screen extension capabilities. Although Google has not officially enabled this feature due to ongoing development and potential bugs, users can use third-party solutions such as GrapheneOS to access this functionality.

Future prospects

Looking ahead, as Google continues to refine its desktop user interface and potentially integrate it into Android 15 alongside future Pixel models like the Pixel 9 series, users can expect even more seamless integration between their smartphones and external displays . This advancement not only increases productivity, but also bridges the gap between handheld devices and traditional PC setups.

Enthusiasts have shared their experiences using this feature, highlighting the potential for screen mirroring and screen expansion capabilities. Although Google is still perfecting its desktop mode UI and should integrate it into Android 15 along with future Pixel models like the Pixel 9 series, users can now enjoy a rudimentary desktop-like interface by enabling Force desktop mode under Developer Options in the Settings app. This advancement not only increases productivity, but also bridges the gap between handheld devices and traditional PC setups.

Conclusion

The introduction of support for wired external displays in Google’s latest flagship phones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, marks a significant evolution in smartphone functionality and user experience. This feature allows users to seamlessly connect their devices to monitors or TVs, providing a more desktop-like interface and increasing productivity.

The Pixel 8 series represents Google’s first attempt at hardware-level support for DisplayPort’s alternative mode, which enables direct video output via USB-C connections. This progress, combined with the potential for further refinement in Android 15, promises even greater integration between smartphones and external displays.

Despite the current rudimentary state of the desktop user interface, users can now take advantage of screen mirroring and extension capabilities, paving the way for a future where handhelds seamlessly transition to traditional PC setups.

As enthusiasts share their experiences and Google continues to innovate, the Pixel 8 series sets a new standard for smartphone flexibility and connectivity, bridging the gap between mobile and desktop. With continued development and potential improvements on the horizon, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are pioneers in redefining the role of smartphones in our daily lives.