For those who’ve bought a Samsung cellphone, you have bought another, light-weight choice for computing on the go: Galaxy handsets include a desktop interface known as DeX constructed proper in, and relying on what you’ll want to do, you may be capable of use this mode rather than a laptop computer whereas in your travels.
Basically, you plug your Samsung cellphone right into a TV or monitor, and Android shifts to look extra like Home windows or macOS. You are still utilizing the identical software program and the identical apps, however you get floating home windows and simpler multitasking.
Whereas lots of the apps will keep on with their cell views, you can also make use of apps akin to Google Docs or Google Chrome to get work performed when you’re away from house (or simply in a special room). And naturally you have bought entry to all of your film and music streaming apps too, on a much bigger display.
The right way to arrange Samsung DeX
You have bought just a few completely different connection choices relating to Samsung DeX. It really works wirelessly in case you have a TV or monitor with Miracast expertise constructed into it—or a streaming field or dongle with Miracast help. That features most Samsung TVs made in the previous few years, for instance, so for those who’re closely invested within the Samsung ecosystem then you definately’re already a step forward.
To launch Samsung DeX wirelessly, open Settings in your Galaxy cellphone, then select Related gadgets > Samsung DeX. Alternatively open the Fast Settings panel (swipe down from the highest proper of the display), then faucet the DeX button—if you cannot see it, swipe down on the panel of tiles to see the complete choice. Your cellphone will scan your wifi community for appropriate {hardware}, and you’ll faucet on a tool to attach.
DeX in Fast Settings.
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For those who can configure Samsung DeX with a wired connection, it is often simpler and extra dependable. The cable you are going to want will rely upon the exterior monitor or tv you are connecting to: You may want a USB-C to USB-C cable, for instance, or a USB-C to HDMI cable. Most cables ought to work with the proper connectors, however I would advise trying to find ones that particularly point out DeX within the itemizing.
You need to use USB-C hubs and docking stations too, which is helpful if you wish to plug a mouse and keyboard in as effectively. Once more, most fashions ought to work, however they will not essentially all work—a little bit of web analysis ought to information you in the direction of merchandise persons are already utilizing with DeX. This $12 Ugreen hub is the one I have been utilizing for Samsung DeX, so you’ll be able to see you do not essentially have to spend some huge cash right here.
DeX will be set to launch routinely.
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You do not have to make use of a keyboard and mouse with DeX, as a result of you need to use your cellphone’s keyboard, and switch it right into a makeshift trackpad (you’ll be able to even use an S Pen to manage DeX). Nevertheless, if you’ll want to get some critical work performed, from essay writing to emailing, then you definately’ll in all probability need to hook up a mouse and keyboard. That is what I’ve performed: The Galaxy cellphone, HDMI cable, and keyboard and mouse all plug into the hub.
Launching DeX in a wired configuration is similar as launching it in a wi-fi configuration, although for those who’re utilizing cables and hubs then as quickly as you join an exterior monitor to your Galaxy machine, it’s best to see a immediate to attach. Future connections will be launched routinely (to handle this open Settings in your cellphone, then select Related gadgets > Samsung DeX).
The right way to use Samsung DeX
With DeX launched, it’s best to see the desktop interface up on the exterior display. It is a bit like having a second monitor on your cellphone, as a result of you’ll be able to keep on utilizing apps in your Galaxy machine the identical as you usually would. You may discover just a few app shortcuts already on the DeX desktop, which you’ll double-click to launch, and a taskbar displaying open apps alongside the underside.
What do you assume to this point?
Within the decrease left nook, you have bought the usual Android buttons: the current apps button, the house button, and the again button. To the left of these is a search button and an all apps button, which brings up shortcuts to each app put in in your cellphone. Over on the proper of the taskbar, you have bought an array of buttons, together with ones for checking notifications, taking screenshots, and checking battery and sign degree.
The app drawer view in DeX.
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To customise DeX additional, double-click the Settings shortcut on the desktop, then choose Samsung DeX. You have bought a bunch of choices right here, protecting font dimension, wallpaper, the shortcuts accessible on the taskbar, how the keyboard and mouse work, and whether or not to play audio by way of your cellphone or by way of the audio system connected to the larger display.
Working DeX is pretty simple. Apps seem in Home windows, with shortcut buttons within the prime proper nook. They are going to (from left to proper) pin an app window (maintain it on prime of different apps), reduce an app window, put an app window full display, or shut the app. You are in a position to resize home windows utilizing their edges and transfer them about utilizing their title bars a lot as you’ll on Home windows or macOS.
DeX means you will get work performed on the go.
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There are a bunch of keyboard shortcuts you can also make use of too, which make it a bit of simpler to get across the interface: Ctrl+Enter (Home windows keyboard) or Cmd+Enter (Mac keyboard) will take you to the house display desktop. To see the entire shortcuts you need to use, press Ctrl+/ (Home windows) or Cmd+/ (Mac).
All of it works slickly and shortly, and whereas Samsung DeX is not one thing I exploit so much, it sometimes turns out to be useful—particularly in shifting between house and the workplace once I solely want to hold a Galaxy cellphone in my pocket. It is really such a good suggestion that Google is anticipated to incorporate its personal model of DeX in Android 16.
