Ever since phablets launched, there has been a push for scaling and an increase in the information density on those screens, irrespective of resolution. There has been a push to adopt the, initially clunky, Multi Window system that allowed an user to have two different apps, or more recently, two different instances of the same app. all on the same screen. It made sense for some tasks such as using the calculator and having your expense notes on the same screen, or a voice recorder and a notes page for quick typing of notes on the same screen. It all makes sense if you specifically perform those tasks, and they work great. Other manufacturers have been giving it a go and Lenovo too has followed suit with its own implementation on its flagship smartphone, the Vibe Z. Here is a video demo of it –
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS2RPQ_5Kyc
While we have seen people make mini versions of their apps for these kinds of implementations, Lenovo has taken the scaling route. Android, since 4.0 has been using native scaling of app assets based on the screen resolution and size, so it is easy for one to manipulate the app with set parameters for resolution on a higher resolution screen. For example, one can force to run an app at 800×480 without scaling on a 1080p screen. This makes it appear in a smaller area. The exact same implementation is carried through here, with the options of dynamic scaling, moving and two side by side apps.
Just like windowing on a desktop, the windowed apps will function just like how they normally do. Since Lenovo implements scaling to achieve windowing, practically every app on your phone can be made to run in a window, side by side with other apps. We tried all the apps we had installed and everything worked except for games, which obviously don’t have enough flexibility to lend themselves capable for this kind of functionality. But otherwise, everything works and this is why it’s advantageous over other implementations where the number of apps are pretty limited.
Features wise, the windows can be scaled, moved in position or temporarily made transparent so that you can concentrate on the thing that already is on your screen. The focus between the two windows changes instantaneously, so you don’t have trouble of missed touches here, and in that aspect of windowing, it is solid. Anyways, this feature is again one of those little known implementations in the Vibe Z, you can also check our camera review of the same, the photo gallery and the feature on tips and tricks for the Vibe Z camera.
This post was made possible with inputs from the Lenovo product team.