Android Police Urges Samsung to Adopt OnePlus 'Open Canvas' Multitasking
A new editorial argues that Samsung's overlay-based multitasking is too cluttered compared to the virtual desktop approach of the OnePlus Open.
The battle for foldable productivity is shifting from screen size to software efficiency. An editorial from Android Police argues that Samsung should abandon its current multitasking logic in favor of a system similar to the 'Open Canvas' feature found on the OnePlus Open.
According to Android Police writer Khumail Thakur, Samsung's approach on the Galaxy Z Fold series, including the Z Fold 8, relies on overlaying newly opened apps on top of existing ones. Thakur describes this method as cluttered, noting that it often blocks the user from seeing underlying content. In contrast, OnePlus utilizes a virtual desktop paradigm. Open Canvas allows three apps to remain open on the inner display simultaneously by pushing the third app to the periphery of the screen rather than squeezing all active windows into the viewable area. This effectively extends multitasking beyond the physical borders of the device.
The Virtual Workspace
While Samsung focuses on maximizing the number of visible windows, OnePlus treats the foldable screen as a window into a larger workspace, mirroring a PC desktop experience. This system is designed for organized scaling; Open Canvas supports pinning multiple app groups to the home screen and maintaining two groups in the taskbar. This configuration enables a six-app multitasking environment that avoids the visual chaos of overlapping windows. The utility of this UX has already proven scalable, as OnePlus has expanded the Open Canvas feature to tablets, beginning with the OnePlus Pad 2.
The Productivity Trade-off
This debate highlights a fundamental UX challenge in the foldable market: the tension between 'maximum visibility' and an 'organized workspace.' Because productivity is the primary selling point for high-end foldables, the method by which a user manages high-resolution apps on a limited physical screen is critical. Samsung's current overlay system can create a fragmented experience, whereas the virtual desktop approach prioritizes a cleaner transition between a limited number of active windows.
Future Outlook
Despite the technical advantages of Open Canvas, the future of the feature is tied to a volatile market. Android Police reports that OnePlus has exited the US and European markets, which makes further foldable releases from the brand unlikely in those regions. However, there may be a path forward via the OS itself. The editorial suggests that 'App Bubbles' coming in Android 17 could potentially serve as a solution to the multitasking clutter currently plaguing Samsung's One UI. For now, the industry remains split between Samsung's density-first approach and the spatial organization pioneered by OnePlus.