HDMI Output on Google Pixel 8 Phones - 8a, 8 and Pro via USB-C

VIDEO INDEX:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Adapters Needed
01:13 - Display output Demo
01:44 - Mirroring and Video Playback
03:09 - Gaming & Latency

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[OledBurnInKing]

I used to plug the htc one m7 with a micro usb to hdmi cable to 4k tv when htc used to have phones. Finally googled allowed there newer phones to plug directly to an external display with an hdmi cable that works offline instead of using wifi or being connected to the internet just to mirror the phone. When I used to have the samsung galaxy note 2, I even mirrored the samsung galaxy note 2 to my 4k tv from the micro usb port with the samsung galaxy note 2 micro usb samsung dock. I still have my samsung galaxy note 2 micro usb dock that used when I used to have the samsung galaxy note 2. I miss the era of android phones when they used micro usb because the phones were very functional with more options and not restricted to locking the manufacturers with there own ecosystem compared to the modern era. I buy a variety of products from a variety of manufacturers and locking features exclusively to any specific manufacturers ruins the features and functionality because they limit the options and the users have less control. Meanwhile, the manufacturers have more control over the users and the users are stuck with the decisions that manufacturers make even when the users don't like the decision that the manufacturers made.

[mysterio]

There’s an experimental desktop mode behind the Dev Mode menu. Maybe now they’ll finish their job on that.

[ronanmolloy]

I've been looking forward to this feature coming out. Thanks for reviewing it!

[DenaturedProtein]

Thanks a lot for covering this and showing some of the potential use case scenarios.

[jimichan]

Thanks! I've been waiting for this so I could get Fitbit workout videos on the big screen in my workout room.

[amrarulez]

Google is stupid, they should've implemented desktop mode with external monitor in pixel for better use Google docs and spreadsheets to beat Microsoft office productivity.

[mikedisher]

I always respect that he uses his own funds, and not looking for free merchandise 😎👍👍

[antikommunistischaktion]

Technically you've always been able to do this with the asterisk that it had to be a Displaylink adapter. The difference here is it's native DP over USB-C and there's potential for expanded desktop mode options.

[aaaa]

Hey, have you tried using a usb-c dongle that has 2 usb ports for controllers/keyboard and mouse + hdmi output?

[DavidAlsh]

Given Android has a Linux kernel under the hood, I would love it if they would leverage containerization technologies like LXC to enable the use of a full Linux desktop.

The ability to plug my phone into my workstation USB-C dock with a screen, keyboard + mouse and have a complete Linux desktop pop up would be game changing. I could do work and maybe even game with Steam, Proton and a Rosetta-like translation layer.

[BatteryBee]

Hey Lon, would you be able to test out USB C docks with this feature?

I'd love to figure out a way to connect a mouse and keyboard while my Pixel is connected to a monitor.

[dplj]

Slightly related, Chromebook phone hub is pixel phone mirrored wirelessly in its own window, playing some Android apps that are installed on the phone.

[awesome.gaming]

Two points.

One. You'd think they would have solved video playback that goes full screen automatically.. or cut off the phone notification and buttons, because they force the letterboxing. It doesn't seem like a difficult thing, but it's always frustrated me when I would cast my screen to the TV, you'd have an oddball framing effect. And for me, a lot of it is photos (social media and gallery apps) and video (chrome, sports and gallery apps).

Two. What would have been a bit clever and inventive, when you dock your phone in, have it switch to Chromebook mode? Basically a Dex-like experience, but catered to Chromebook. I wouldn't be shocked if Pixel 8's were more powerful than most Chromebooks anyway, so it would be a clever way to back in Chromebook style functionality and interface while docked. And to clarify, I mean basically forcing landscape mode and giving you a Chromebook home screen experience with installed productivity tools pinned. Like I'm a bit shocked this hasn't been a thing, since Samsung has been doing Dex for years. What an easy sell would it be to make power users out of Pixel owners by selling them a docking feature that mimics a ChromeOS desktop with Android apps.

I'm honestly surprised Android tablets don't already have a docked ChromeOS experience mode. Obviously it won't be a true Chromebook experience, but just recreate the desktop with kbm in mind. They spent too much time trying to force smart home controls in to every device and stand/dock they make, not sure why they haven't tried implementing ChromeOS-like experience on their first party devices.

[gudenau]

I wish my Fold was covered by this. I'd definitely get use out of it.

[monkeyhands]

Google stayed away from doing this for so long because they were trying to sell Chromecast and by ommitting it they hoped to sell more of them, guess they finally realised it wasnt working. Hopefully it'll get a tweak in Android 15 and sort some of the bugs out. To be honest I use a dell docking station at work for my laptop that uses a USB C, it has a keyboard and mouse plugged in to the docking station and outputs to 2 monitors, ive plugged my Pixel 8 pro in twice now and it does come up on the displays and works briefly then something glitches and the monitors stop displaying my phone screen. Its good when it works but it needs improvement.

[tnj]

Android has had a very basic desktop mode for a while you have to go into developer mode to activate it

[davidchristensen]

Have not interest in this video but I watched it and thumbs up as always.

[mikehampshire]

If you're going through HDMI to a TV, does the audio also output through the TV speakers?

[ariessilva]

Nice to finally have google catch up to the galaxy s8 (minus dex of course) 😂

[jmr]

I didn't buy the last Pixel because of this missing feature. Let's see if they get it right. EDIT: This sounds like the same poor implementation after watching again. I bet it's still Display Link or whatever the old technology was called. At least it doesn't still require a third party app.