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ChromeOS is getting a limited version of Android's Game Dashboard
The dashboard gives Chromebook users in-game tools, such as key remapping
If you have an Android phone and you enjoy gaming on the go, you may already be familiar with the Game Dashboard. After seeing OEMs like Samsung and OnePlus implement game modes, Google decided to release its own version of the popular feature with Android 12, providing easy access to a wide array of tools that might come in handy while gaming. You can take screenshots, record gameplay, and make key mapping adjustments directly in the dashboard. More importantly, Game Dashboard lets you quickly toggle between your game and other apps on your device. Now, it seems that Google wants to bring this experience to ChromeOS users.
Game Dashboard is arriving in Google settings on more Pixel phones
It remains Pixel-exclusive, though
If you're a gamer and you've got a Pixel 6 series phone, chances are you're already acquainted with Android's Game Dashboard interface, packed with handy utilities for taking screenshots, checking your FPS, starting a screen recording, toggling DND, and even streaming to YouTube directly. This dashboard became a part of Google Play Services earlier this year, suggesting it may not remain a Pixel-exclusive feature for very long. Android 13 brought the feature to the Pixel 6a when it was in beta, and now that the OS update is available widely, Game Dashboard is making its way to more Pixel phones.
Google confirms its Game Dashboard is coming to other 'select devices' with Android 13
It's not clear if this is just for the Pixel 6a or if third-party phones will get it as well
Google has confirmed that its Game Dashboard feature will be coming to more phones in the future through Play Services, but it's unclear which phones might get it. The feature will require Android 13 to work through this new mechanism, and a representative speaking on behalf of Google previously told Android Police that the Pixel 6a would get the feature as part of its Android 13 update, so it's not immediately clear if this news means third-party devices will get it or not.
Google Pixel's Game Dashboard is coming to Play Services — and maybe other phones, too
There aren't any other reasons to port it over that we can think of
Android 12 debuted a new Game Dashboard feature that offered a snazzy FPS counter overlay, game optimization settings, a do-not-disturb toggle, and even the ability to stream live via YouTube. Unfortunately, it was a Pixel-exclusive feature, but that might change soon. Esper.io's Mishaal Rahman has been following a trail of clues that indicate Google is making the Game Dashboard feature part of Google Play Services. That change of venue from Google's first-party system UI components to a service licensed by countless manufacturers could mean that Google's Game Dashboard is coming to other phones.
Google's now highlighting Pixel 6-optimized games on the Play Store
Making the list isn't as hard as you might expect
Although Google demoed its new "Game Dashboard" as part of Android 12 earlier this year, its optimization settings are only available on two select devices so far: the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. We've been waiting to see these flagships really take advantage of improved fidelity and battery usage, and with a new category in the Play Store, it looks like that's finally happening.
Android 12 is getting a game dashboard — here’s what we know about it
Official details are still sparse, but we've got a pretty good idea already
There are loads of evidence that Google is working on a game mode for Android 12, and although the company hasn't fully enabled it in the beta just yet, it's now all but official. During its Google for Games Developer Summit, the company revealed that its new game mode is called "game dashboard." It's coming to "select devices" and will have a handful of neat features in tow.
Android 12's hidden 'game dashboard' just got some new features, but you still can't use it
DP3 picks up floating toggles and game optimization settings
Pixels on Android 12 look set to pick up a game-oriented dashboard, similar to what other Android phones offer. The feature — alternately called a "Game Mode" or "game dashboard" — leaked prior to Android 12's previews and was spotted semi-working but hidden later in development. In the latest DP3, it looks like it's still "hidden," but it has picked up some new features, including a "game optimization" setting to adjust performance level. The existing toggles in the menu can be moved to a floating overlay, and the FPS counter works separately from the display's refresh rate.
Here's our first look at the gaming features coming to Pixels with Android 12
The new 'Game dashboard' still has some way to go
The latest entries to the Pixel line are not really about blazing-fast performance, and by passing on the top-tier chipset in favor of a Snapdragon 765G for the flagship Pixel 5, Google made that pretty evident. This doesn't mean the company is completely disregarding smartphone gaming, though. The Android 12 developer preview 2 has visual proof of a "game dashboard" we had previously heard about.