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Samsung Dex could become a lot more useful with this possible feature

After initial hints were made nearly two years ago, Samsung could finally introduce a wireless version of Dex.
By
July 16, 2020
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TL;DR
  • A section within the Samsung Tips app suggests a wireless Dex mode could be on its way.
  • This would likely allow Dex to be used on supported displays without docks or cables.
  • Devices from the Galaxy S10 series and newer could receive the feature.

Samsung Dex could soon give users the option to ditch cables entirely according to a small detail uncovered in the Samsung Tips app.

A section for power users within the app, spotted by XDA writer Max Weinbach, features a header hinting at a forthcoming wireless Dex mode. The header, dubbed “DREAM_DEX_HEADER_USE_DEX_WIRELESSLY_M_TIPS,” was found on a Galaxy S20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip.

There are two interesting things to note here. For one, “Dream” is the code-name for the Galaxy S10 series. This suggests that devices which are part of the Galaxy S10 generation – including the Galaxy Fold – could receive wireless Dex support.

See more: Samsung Galaxy Note 20: Everything we know so far

Secondly, Weinbach also saw the option on the Galaxy Z Flip, a phone that does not feature Dex support at present. This may suggest Samsung’s second foldable could receive the desktop environment mode in a future update.

Wireless Dex: years in the making

The spot by Weinbach comes nearly two years after a Samsung forum moderator first hinted that the company was working on a wireless Dex solution, following in the footsteps of Microsoft’s now dead Continuum project and HUAWEI’s PC Mode.

Samsung Dex has evolved substantially since its introduction in 2017 with the Galaxy S8. To access Samsung’s desktop environment back then, users required the bulky Dex dock. Currently, Dex needs a USB-C-to-HDMI cable or a USB cable with a Dex desktop app to run. Wireless Dex could cut out cables, computers, and apps entirely.

Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (or Galaxy Fold 2) — All the rumors

The Tips app also suggests the wireless Dex mode could be used on TVs. It’s possible that those TVs would have to support screen mirroring technology or be a Samsung Smart TV to achieve this. Additionally, a wireless Dex setup could pair nicely with another rumored Galaxy Note 20 feature suggesting that the S Pen could function as a pointing device.

It’s not clear if or when Samsung will roll out a wireless version of Dex, but we wouldn’t bet against a possible announcement at Unpacked on August 5.