Google has officially started rolling out Android 17, the new mobile operating system arriving first on Pixel devices and later on other Android phones throughout the year. Among the most anticipated features are Bubbles, a multitasking function that turns any app into a floating window, allowing users to see information from two applications simultaneously. By long-pressing an app icon, it transforms into a "bubble" that hovers above other apps. On large-screen devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, a dedicated bubble bar appears at the bottom, where the bubble is docked and users can switch between apps with a single tap, as well as resize or maximize windows to full screen.
Screen Recording with Reactions and Gaming on Foldables
The screen recording tool now includes Screen Reactions, which lets you record yourself using the selfie camera while capturing your phone screen, all without switching apps. Perfect for creating reaction videos for TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. For foldable devices, Android 17 introduces an optimized gaming mode with a 50/50 layout: the game appears on the top half, and a virtual gamepad on the bottom. If using an external controller, native controller remapping is available. Google has also improved memory management for HD gaming to reduce lag and frame drops.
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Enhanced Safety and Privacy
Android 17 brings significant security upgrades. Users can now grant apps temporary location access and share only specific contacts instead of giving unlimited access. The "Mark as lost" feature in Find Hub (formerly Find My Device) allows remotely locking a missing phone with biometrics, preventing thieves from unlocking it even if they know the passcode. Additionally, Live Threat Detection has been strengthened to block more suspicious apps, while PIN entry attempts are limited with longer wait times between failed tries.
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Exclusive Pixel Features and More
Pixel users get exclusive tools. Conversational editing in Google Photos, available on Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a in Germany, UK, France, Spain, and Italy, enables photo editing via voice commands. Voice Translate on Pixel 10a translates phone conversations in real time while preserving the caller's original voice. Pixel 9a and Pixel 8a now support AirDrop-compatible Quick Share, allowing file transfers to and from iPhones, a feature previously limited to the Pixel 10 series. Google is also expanding Magic Cue access to surface important information from more messaging apps. Finally, for Pixel Watch, Emergency Sharing integrates with core detection features such as car crash, fall, and loss of pulse detection: in the event of a severe incident, the watch calls emergency services and notifies chosen contacts.
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For more technical details, refer to the Wikipedia page on Android version history.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/2195087/google-android-17-rollout
