Android 16’s Multitasking Revolution: Is Google About to Beat Everyone?

Android multitasking is getting a major overhaul in Android 16, and the buzz is real. Google is introducing a new "Bubble Bar" that promises to make switching between apps smoother and faster than ever before. But is it enough to dethrone the current champion of Android multitasking, OnePlus's "Open Canvas"?

The Problem with Android 15

Let's face it: multitasking on Android 15 isn't great. While the split-screen approach allows you to run two apps simultaneously, it often feels cramped and difficult to navigate, especially on smaller screens. As Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority puts it, other Android manufacturers have created better solutions, but the native version remains basic.

Android 16's Bubble Bar: A Promising Upgrade

The new Bubble Bar in Android 16 aims to solve this problem. Instead of running two apps in squished windows, you can shrink apps into bubbles that live at the bottom of your screen. Tapping these bubbles allows you to quickly switch between apps, offering a near-full-screen experience. It also appears to have its own tiny navigation bar, that shows when no apps in the bar are in use. To open an app as a bubble, you need to long-press on its icon and select the Open as a bubble option.

This approach is significantly better than the current system. Imagine having WhatsApp or Telegram readily available in your bubble bar, allowing you to quickly access conversations without interrupting your current task.

OnePlus's Open Canvas: The Gold Standard

But here's the catch: OnePlus already has a robust multitasking solution called Open Canvas. First introduced with the OnePlus Open and later expanded to other models like the OnePlus 13 and 13R, Open Canvas builds on the familiar split-screen interface.

Open Canvas allows you to shrink one app to a small sliver while keeping the other in a mostly full-screen view. Tapping the shrunken app swaps it with the full-screen one. This is incredibly convenient, especially when you need to quickly reference information from one app while working in another.

Joe Maring of Android Authority describes the experience as "so, so good." He highlights how easy it is to switch between apps like Google Keep (for a shopping list) and the Target app while placing an order. The best part? Activating Open Canvas is simple: swipe down with three fingers, and you're ready to go.

Will Android 16 Dethrone Open Canvas?

While the Bubble Bar in Android 16 is a welcome improvement, some concerns remain. Ryan Haines from Android Authority points out that the UI to activate the bubble bar uses a similar swipe-up gesture to go home. He worries about accidental swipes and the lack of seamless switching between bubbles and split-screen mode.

Ultimately, only time will tell if Android 16's Bubble Bar can truly compete with the fluidity and convenience of OnePlus's Open Canvas. It's certainly a step in the right direction, but questions about the gesture controls and missing split-screen integration still needs to be answered.

What are your thoughts on the evolving landscape of Android multitasking? Do you think Google’s Bubble Bar will become the new standard, or will other vendors like OnePlus continue to innovate beyond stock Android? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!

• Android 16
• OnePlus
• Open Canvas