https://9to5google.com/2026/01/27/android-desktop-leak/

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  * Android

Android's full desktop interface leaks: New status bar, Chrome
Extensions, more [Video]

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li | Jan 27 2026 - 2:02 pm PT
47 Comments
[hp-dragonfly-pro-chromebook-17]

A Google bug report on the Chromium Issue Tracker today has
inadvertently leaked the Android desktop interface for the first
time.

The bug report published today about Chrome Incognito tabs was
accompanied by two screen captures. From the description, we learn
that the device being recorded is the HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5
Chromebook, board/codename "Brya(Redrix)." Pictured above, it runs a
12th Gen Intel Core (AlderLake-U) processor from 2021. 

The build number for "ALOS" -- Aluminum OS is desktop Android's
codename -- ZL1A.260119.001.A1. Another reference in the video
identifies this as Android 16. It's not surprising that Google
internally is using existing Chromebook hardware to develop the new
experience.

    DEVICE: Brya(Redrix) CHROME BUILD: 145.0.7587.4(Dev before
    upgrade) and 146.0.7634.0(Dev after upgrade) ALOS:
    ZL1A.260119.001.A1

Compared to tablets and phone-projected desktop mode, the status bar
is taller and more optimized for large screens. We see the time (with
seconds) in the top row followed by the date. On the right side, we
see the Android 16 M3E battery icon, Wi-Fi, a notification bell icon,
"EN" (presumably representing the set keyboard language), Gemini
icon, and screen recorder pill. The recording interface resembles the
mobile version

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However, the Taskbar is identical to what we have today, while the
mouse cursor has been slightly modified to have a tail.

The Google Chrome interface mostly aligns with the current
large-screen Android version except for the Extensions button, which
is currently only available on the desktop browser. We also see an
example of split-screen multitasking. 

Meanwhile, desktop windowing is mostly unchanged from what we have
today, with the app name at the left. The minimize, fullscreen, and
close buttons at the top-right are similar to ChromeOS. 

Desktop experience on Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2:

[Android-16]
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Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li technacity

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet.
Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com