New feature will split the internal display to simulate a virtual controller and improve gameplay on flexible devices.
Android 17 will feature a gaming mode developed specifically for foldable smartphones. The functionality promises to optimize the user experience by splitting the device's internal screen, dedicating half of the space to the game display and the other half to a virtual gamepad with touch controls.
According to The Verge, the virtual controller will be able to emulate physical button presses directly at the operating system level. The goal is to make gameplay easier on larger screens, making foldable devices more attractive for gaming.
The implementation seeks to solve one of the current limitations of flexible phones, where the expanded area is often not used efficiently by gaming apps. Google's solution standardizes the control interface, allowing titles to be played without the need for individual adaptations by developers.
The feature is scheduled to be released in the coming months, following the update cycle of the new operating system. The expectation is that the novelty will encourage the use of foldables for entertainment and help popularize the category among gamers.
The gaming mode splits the device's internal screen in half, dedicating one side to the game display and the other to a virtual gamepad with touch controls.
No. The virtual controller emulates physical button presses at the operating system level, standardizing the interface so games can be played without individual adaptations by developers.
It solves the issue of large flexible screens not being used efficiently by gaming apps, making gameplay easier and making foldable devices more attractive for gaming.