Show two apps on Android at the same time
From a Windows PC you are used to displaying two programs at the same time as a window. Isn't that also possible with apps on Android? The so-called multiview feature is shrouded in legend. We bring light into the dark and show you the possible options.
Display two apps at the same time thanks to Samsung Multiview
- Samsung has developed the multiview function for its powerful Galaxy devices. For example, flagships like the Galaxy S4 or Note 2, but also older models like the Galaxy S3 and the Note 10.1 can display several apps side by side. On tablets, the corresponding menu is fetched from the navigation bar. With smartphones, a long press on the back button is enough and you can freely configure your screen.
- A small catch is the app selection: only apps modified by the developer can be moved freely and appear accordingly in Samsung's app selection. However, most useful apps are now adapted to this feature.
Floating apps - the little brother of the real Android multi-window feature
- Watching YouTube videos and playing games makes little sense to control the music player while surfing the Internet. The free Tiny Apps lite take advantage of this: Small, simple functions are displayed in a window that hovers over the actually opened app. You can determine the size and position freely and easily - a clever, simple multi-window solution. In addition to a voice recorder, a paint function, notepads, a music player and a calculator, the 1.49 euro pro version also includes a mini browser and the function to display any widget as a floating window.
- If a simple, mobile browser is enough for you, you should take a look at the free Android app "Floating Browser". This gives you a freely configurable browser that even supports several tabs and various other functions.
Community approaches - these are the split-screen attempts from the Internet
If you have delved deeper into Android with rooting and custom ROMs, there are additional opportunities for hobby developers. However, on such excursions you must be aware that rooting can irreparably damage your device and lead to a loss of warranty.
- Samsung's multiview feature was thankfully accepted by the community and adapted to their own needs: There are many custom ROMs for Samsung devices, in which the multiwindow function has been drilled out so that all apps can be displayed on a split screen. The popular Paranoid Android project also has a similar function with the new Halo feature: Notifications such as new SMS can be opened directly via the actual app. So you don't have to change the app for different tasks either.
- The "Cornerstone" project attracted attention a long time ago and wanted to bring the multi-app display to Android tablets first. Beyond early beta phases and an agreed cooperation with the makers of the popular custom ROM Cyanogenmod, things have become quiet here - also because Google has intervened itself. The Android makers are rumored to have their own Multiwindow function for Android 5.0 KitKat.
