Android 17 Beta 2 is here, bringing some exciting new features and fixes for developers and users alike. Let’s dive into what’s new!
First up, there’s the cool Bubbles feature. With this, any app can become a floating bubble. Just long-press the app icon in your launcher, and voilà! If you have a larger screen, you’ll also find a bubble bar in the taskbar to easily manage all your bubbles.
Another noteworthy addition is the Cross-device app Handoff. This lets you start a task on one Android device and pick up right where you left off on another. So, if you begin jotting down notes on your phone, you can seamlessly continue on your tablet. It’s a nifty feature designed to keep your work smooth and efficient. Google mentions this is somewhat similar to Apple’s Continuity feature, emphasizing the push for better multi-device experiences.
Also, Android 17 Beta 2 introduces a new system-level contact picker. Instead of giving apps full access to your contacts, this feature allows temporary read-only access. It’s a small change, but it’s aimed at enhancing your privacy.
Moreover, the beta brings expanded protections against SMS OTP vulnerabilities. This is crucial, especially with the rise of phishing attacks targeting SMS codes. Recent surveys show that nearly 60% of users are concerned about their data security, making these updates timely and necessary.
On the developer side, the beta includes an EyeDropper API. This allows apps to request colors directly from your screen without needing intrusive permissions. Developers are thanking Google for minimizing permissions while maximizing functionality.
In terms of size, Android 17 Beta 2 comes in at about 510MB and has been designed to address numerous bugs, including those annoying spontaneous reboots and interface freezes users have reported.
Keep in mind that this is still a beta. If you’re eager to explore these new features, ensure your Pixel device is enrolled in the Android Beta Program. Google has already started to roll out the update, so keep an eye out for it. If you don’t see it yet, you can sideload it or manually flash the factory image if you’re feeling adventurous. The stable version of Android 17 is anticipated to arrive in mid-2026, so there’s plenty to look forward to!
As always, staying updated on these changes can significantly improve your experience, whether you’re using your device for work or play. So, what are you most excited about in this update?
