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 enables 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 number of points with the rollout of the primary Android 17 beta, however the firm just isn’t ready lengthy for the subsequent launch. Google has already began rolling out Android 17 beta 2 for builders.
Whereas it could appear to be not a lot time has handed, Android 17 beta 2 is shaping as much as be a reasonably important replace with a number of new options and loads of bug fixes, together with a bug that triggered spontaneous reboots and interface freezes.
Android 17 beta 2 comes with construct quantity CP21.260206.011 and is roughly 510MB in dimension. Google has addressed a number of bugs on this launch, however it has additionally quietly launched a number of new options underneath the hood.
One of many new additions is the Bubbles function. Google describes Bubbles as a windowing mode function, much 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 may be additionally a devoted bubble bar within the taskbar the place customers can set up, transfer, and handle bubbles extra simply.
Android 17 beta 2 brings actual multitasking
There’s 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 consumer.
Alongside this, Google is introducing a brand new Cross-device app handoff function. The handoff function permits you to begin an exercise on one system and proceed it seamlessly on one other. For instance, you might begin writing a notice 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 keeping with the corporate, Handoff helps each native app-to-app transitions and app-to-web fallback, which means the expertise works even when the native app just isn’t put in on the receiving system.
Moreover, Android 17 beta 2 additionally introduces a brand new EyeDropper API that enables builders to request a coloration 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 towards unauthorized native community entry.
If you wish to strive Android 17 beta 2, ensure your Pixel system is enrolled within the Android Beta Program. OTA replace has already began rolling out, but when the replace has not appeared but, you may sideload it or flash the manufacturing facility picture manually. In any other case, you may watch for the steady launch of Android 17, which is predicted in mid-2026.
