Android 17 to include virtual gamepad for foldable devices
Android 17 will feature a dedicated gaming mode specifically for foldable phones. The update includes a virtual keypad on half the screen to simplify controls for mobile games.
Amalgamated from The Verge (opens in new tab), Android Authority (opens in new tab)
Android 17 is set to include a dedicated gaming mode designed specifically for foldable smartphones, according to reports from The Verge and Android Authority. This feature aims to improve the experience of playing games on larger, folding screens by providing a virtual keypad that utilizes touch controls.
The "foldable gaming mode" is intended to emulate physical button presses at a system level. According to reporting from The Verge, the interface will place these controls on one half of the screen to make navigation during gameplay more intuitive for users. Android Authority reports that this configuration effectively transforms the bottom portion of the device into a large gamepad.
The feature is expected to be released in the coming months as part of the Android 17 rollout. While specific dates have not been confirmed by Google, the inclusion of these tools aims to accommodate the growing market for foldable hardware and provide a more consistent interface across different types of mobile devices.