Samsung is apparently working on an enhanced version of DeX that lets a Galaxy phone lay flat instead of being propped upright. Much like this year's DeX, the rumored upgrade will still serve as a docking station that uses the phone and an external monitor to offer a full-fledged desktop experience.
But whereas the original DeX had to be paired with a mouse and a keyboard, the DeX Pad, as it's reportedly called, will allow the phone to be used as a virtual mouse and keyboard, which essentially means that the DeX pad removes the need to carry those two around just to get a desktop experience; all one would need is their phone, the DeX Pad, and a monitor.
Samsung Galaxy S9
The DeX Pad will reportedly launch alongside the Galaxy S9, and if rumors about that phone being launched in January next year are true, then the docking accessory will most certainly be revealed on the same day.
The rumor comes from Galaxy Club, and reiterates a recent report by reputable leakster Evan Blass, who also suggested the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus will make cameo appearances during CES next year.
Samsung DeX Pad
If the rumored Samsung DeX Pad ends up being real, then the South Korean electronics company seems intent on improving the role of its Galaxy phones into the DeX ecosystem.
As mentioned, rumors suggest the DeX Pad requires the phone to lay flat, so it remains uncertain as to how the phone will be tethered to the accessory. Wireless charging is almost a certainty, of course, but transferring video draws tons of data, and connecting via USB-C is the most probable scenario. How Samsung plans to incorporate this is anyone's guess.
Perhaps the DeX Pad could also double as a stand that would prop up a Galaxy phone and charge it at the same time? Possibly. This is, however, pure speculation. Yet there has to be some way for the phone to be connected to the docking station, and hopefully it's efficient and not too finicky.
As for backward compatibility, it remains unclear whether the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy Note 8 will work with the rumored DeX Pad, or whether it'll work exclusively with the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. As usual, time will tell. One thing is for sure, though: Samsung is serious about improving how Galaxy phones integrate into the desktop experience.
Thoughts about Samsung's rumored DeX pad? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
