Google has officially released Android 17. The update is being rolled out first to Pixel devices. Other Android devices are scheduled to receive the update sequentially within 2026.
The biggest change is the multitasking capability. The new feature, Bubbles, allows you to display apps in small floating windows and use them on top of other apps. On large-screen devices, you can switch between multiple apps from a dedicated bubble bar at the bottom. This makes it easier to maintain workflow on foldables and tablets.
The screen recording feature has also been updated. Screen Reactions allows you to record your screen while simultaneously capturing video from the front camera. It is easy to use for app tutorials, video reactions, and creating social content. You do not need to use a separate editing app.
A game mode is added to foldable devices. It supports a 50:50 layout that displays the game screen at the top and a virtual gamepad at the bottom. A feature to reassign external controller buttons is also provided.
Security features have also been enhanced. You can now temporarily allow precise location access to the app. You can also share specific contacts instead of your entire contact list. Features include the ability to lock lost devices using biometric authentication and improvements to Live Threat Detection.
For users, this update directly changes how multitasking, screen recording, gaming, and privacy controls are managed. However, some Gemini Intelligence features will be available on high-end devices starting this summer.
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