Google has now begun rolling out Android 17 to Pixel phones and watches along with exciting new features such as gaming tools and quick references.
Android 17 features
A brand new feature called Bubbles allows users to long press an icon that opens as a floating window so you can switch between tasks freely.
On tablets and foldable devices, it minimises into a designated bubble bar. The feature allows access to apps such as Notes, Maps and Gemini Chat while you manage other tasks in the background.
Screen Reactions is another cool feature that adds the popular reaction-video format directly into the system.
You can record yourself using the selfie camera while at the same time capturing the screen, then overlay your face onto a website, app, or trending video.
There is no need for a green screen or switching apps anymore. This feature is part of the trend of AI tools transforming video creation for everyday users.
Android 17 gaming mode
Foldable phones also now include a gaming mode designed for their larger screens. Instead of stretching a mobile game and placing controls in awkward positions, Android 17 divides the display evenly, the game on top and a touchscreen gamepad below.
When you adjust the hinge at an angle, the device looks like a handheld console.
Google has announced that this mode will be available in the coming months, not at launch. Additional gaming improvements include native controller remapping and improved frame pacing.
Security features for Pixel phones
The security updates will eventually be available for nearly all Android phones, not just Pixels. You can now grant an app one-time access to your exact location and share only selected contacts instead of your entire address book.
The Mark as lost feature in Find Hub can lock a lost phone using your biometrics, preventing a thief who knows your PIN from accessing it.
Android 17 also greatly reduces the number of allowed passcode attempts and raises the wait time between failed attempts.
Another privacy feature, Live Threat Detection, blocks more suspicious applications, and Advanced Protection strengthens the phone against targeted attacks.
Wear OS 7, based on Android 17, is also available now for Pixel Watches. It brings convenient phone features to your wrist, including live notifications for services like DoorDash tracking and sports scores, as well as the audio source picker from your phone.
Read more: Is Apple hinting at a foldable iPhone Ultra in the iOS 27 beta?
