Google has started rolling out Android 17 with new features focused on productivity, entertainment, gaming and security. The Android 17 update is initially available on Pixel devices and will expand to eligible Android smartphones and tablets throughout 2026.
The latest Android 17 release introduces several improvements designed to enhance multitasking and user experience across devices. Google also announced that select advanced devices will receive Gemini Intelligence later this summer, adding more AI-powered capabilities.
One of the major additions is Bubbles, a multitasking feature that allows applications to run in floating windows above other apps. Users can activate it by long-pressing an app icon, making it easier to switch between apps and access content while working.
Android 17 also introduces Screen Reactions, a tool that combines screen recording with selfie-camera video capture. This feature enables users to create videos with live commentary directly within apps, websites and videos without requiring third-party software.
Google has expanded Gemini’s capabilities with music generation on supported Pixel devices. Users can create original music by describing the type of song they want or by using images as inspiration.
The update brings a dedicated gaming mode for foldable devices. Gameplay appears on the upper portion of the screen while controller functions are displayed on the lower half. Native controller remapping and memory management improvements are also included to reduce frame drops during gaming sessions.
India is receiving the Manual Call Screen feature, allowing users to screen unknown callers before answering. Google has also introduced a new System Contact Picker that lets users share selected contacts with apps instead of granting access to their entire contact list.
Additional updates include expanded parental controls, dedicated volume controls for digital assistants, dark mode customization and redesigned settings menus. Widget support on external displays has also been improved to ensure consistent appearance across devices.
Pixel devices are receiving additional exclusive updates as part of the rollout. The Android 17 update will continue expanding to more eligible devices during 2026.
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