The system feature, available on Android devices, allows applications to display interactive screens when the device is idle or docked. This functionality effectively turns a phone or tablet into a screensaver, providing useful information or visual appeal while the device is not actively in use. A typical example involves displaying a clock, photo slideshow, news headlines, or weather updates during charging or when placed on a stand.
This feature offers a means to extend device utility beyond active use. By presenting contextual information at a glance, it enhances user convenience and can provide continuous access to pertinent details. Historically, it built upon the concept of screensavers from desktop operating systems, adapting the idea to the mobile environment and leveraging the capabilities of increasingly sophisticated mobile displays.