What it’s good to know
- In Android 17 Beta 2, customers can now flip any software right into a floating bubble by long-pressing on the app icon within the launcher.
- Cross-device app Handoff allows you to proceed duties seamlessly throughout Android gadgets.
- A system-level contact picker now limits apps to short-term read-only contact entry.
- Android 17 beta 2 expands SMS OTP safety and strengthens native community privateness.
Google confronted a couple of points with the rollout of the primary Android 17 beta, however the firm isn’t ready lengthy for the following launch. Google has already began rolling out Android 17 beta 2 for builders.
Whereas it might seem to be not a lot time has handed, Android 17 beta 2 is shaping as much as be a reasonably vital replace with a number of new options and loads of bug fixes, together with a bug that precipitated spontaneous reboots and interface freezes.
Android 17 beta 2 comes with construct quantity CP21.260206.011 and is roughly 510MB in measurement. Google has addressed a number of bugs on this launch, however it has additionally quietly launched a number of new options below the hood.
One of many new additions is the Bubbles function. Google describes Bubbles as a windowing mode function, just like how conversations already seem in bubbles on Android.
With Android 17 beta 2, customers can now create app bubbles by long-pressing an app icon within the launcher. On massive screens, there’s additionally a devoted bubble bar within the taskbar the place customers can arrange, transfer, and handle bubbles extra simply.
Android 17 beta 2 brings actual multitasking
There may be additionally a brand new system-level contact picker. As an alternative of apps requiring full entry to your contacts, Android can now grant short-term read-only entry to particular contact fields requested by the person.
Alongside this, Google is introducing a brand new Cross-device app handoff function. The handoff function means that you can begin an exercise on one machine and proceed it seamlessly on one other. For instance, you would begin writing a word on an app your Android cellphone and proceed precisely the place you left off in your Android pill.
Apple has provided one thing comparable by means of Continuity, and now Google is bringing its personal model to Android.
When lively, Android shows a handoff suggestion within the launcher on close by gadgets. Google says the function is designed to allow seamless activity continuity throughout the Android ecosystem.
In response to the corporate, Handoff helps each native app-to-app transitions and app-to-web fallback, that means the expertise works even when the native app isn’t put in on the receiving machine.
Moreover, Android 17 beta 2 additionally introduces a brand new EyeDropper API that permits builders to request a colour from any pixel on the show with out requiring delicate display seize permissions. There are additionally a number of privateness enhancements, together with expanded SMS OTP safety and new safeguards in opposition to unauthorized native community entry.
If you wish to attempt Android 17 beta 2, ensure that your Pixel machine is enrolled within the Android Beta Program. OTA replace has already began rolling out, but when the replace has not appeared but, you’ll be able to sideload it or flash the manufacturing facility picture manually. In any other case, you’ll be able to await the steady launch of Android 17, which is anticipated in mid-2026.
