Google has begun rolling out a stable Android 17 update to supported Pixel devices.
In a blog post, the company said that the update will also be rolled out to other eligible Android devices throughout 2026. Google has also announced that select advanced devices will get Gemini Intelligence later this summer.
Android 17 brings several new features, including App Bubbles that users to convert any application into a floating, overlay window. On larger displays and foldable smartphones, this feature will also offer a bubble bar at the bottom of the screen to manage the apps.
Foldables running the new update will get an exclusive 50/50 gaming layout, which splits the screen to host the game on one half and a dynamic virtual gamepad on the other. Google notes that this feature will roll out in the coming months.
Moreover, screen recording gets a new Screen Reactions feature, enabling users to capture selfie camera footage simultaneously alongside their display capture. Google is also updating location access, which now includes a one-time precise location access toggle, and a refreshed user interface for selecting between broad and exact tracking permissions.
Users can now remotely lock a missing device using biometric data in the Find Hub platform in Android 17. Additionally, Android 17 tightens privacy controls by letting users share selected contacts on an app-by-app basis rather than sharing their entire contact list. The update also brings updates to Live Threat Detection and Advanced Protection mode.
The Android 17 update also gets a new app memory limit feature that ensures apps don’t utilize excessive RAM. Other new features include expanded dark theme, a setting to hide app names on the home screen, expansion of Parental Controls to all Android devices, and a dedicated volume control for assistant.
Those interested can see all the Android 17 features at android.com/17.
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