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On a DSG / PDK you pull both levers, it puts the car in neutral. The newer dual clutch boxes also can go into a coast mode when you enable auto start/stop which disengages both clutches when you are cruising and the situation doesn't require thrust, it's all computer controlled. The 2017 Porsche PDK will also offer "half gears". Under light load it actually slips both clutches providing an effective gear ration between the 2 gears selected to again, increase fuel economy. It's really pretty amazing what they can do with the transmissions these days but if you boil it down all they are doing is mimicking what torque converter based transmissions have been doing for decades.
As for the A8, it's a very good transmission. Much better than the trans it replaces but still, IMHO, a step behind the ZF and certainly not as "talented" as a PDK. Would I chose it, absolutely, we did on our 2016 2SS and are very happy with it. Unless you are a true manual lover, and many here are, there nothing lost selecting the A8. You will never heat stress it on a public road and it's probably track worthy with the added cooling development they have done since the C7 debut of the trans 2 years ago.
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