"Google" Launches "Android 17" with App Bubbles and Stronger Data Protection

SadaNews - "Google" has launched "Android 17," making it available for most supported "Pixel" phones, with plans to roll it out to new devices from other manufacturers in the coming months. The release combines new multitasking tools, enhancements in privacy and security, and steps towards deeper integration of mobile applications with "Gemini" and AI agents.

The company describes the release as the start of "Android" transitioning from a traditional operating system to what it calls an "intelligent system," allowing smart assistants in the future to discover app functionalities and execute certain tasks on behalf of the user, rather than just providing answers or opening the requested app.

Apps into AI Tools

"Android 17" introduces an expansion of the "AppFunctions" feature, which allows developers to make specific functions within their apps discoverable and executable by a smart assistant like "Gemini."

This could mean that, once integration is complete, users may be able to ask the assistant to create a note, execute a step within an app, or complete a workflow requiring multiple services, without having to manually navigate between several screens.

However, this integration with "Gemini" is still in a private preview phase with a select group of testers, and is not a general feature available to all users at the system's launch. Developers can begin preparing their apps now and testing the functionalities that smart assistants might use later.

Bubbles for All Apps

One of the most notable visual additions in "Android 17" is the expansion of the concept of "floating bubbles," which have primarily been associated with messaging apps. Users can now convert any app into a floating bubble by long-pressing its icon.

These bubbles allow the app to stay available over other apps, helping users quickly return to it without fully leaving their current task. This feature works on phones, foldable devices, and tablets.

On larger screens, there is a "Bubble Bar" within the taskbar to organize floating apps, navigate between them, and pin them. The system also adds an interactive "Picture-in-Picture" mode in desktop environments, allowing the pinned window to remain usable and interactive, rather than limited to just viewing content.

Transitioning Between Phone and Tablet

"Google" also adds a "Continue On" feature that helps users continue their tasks when switching between "Android" devices. For example, the system can suggest in the taskbar of the tablet to open the last used app on the phone, returning to the point where the user left off. The task can also move to the web version when the app is not installed on the other device, provided that the developer supports this function.

This move reflects an effort to make phone and tablet usage more interconnected, especially as "Google" expands into large-screen devices and computer-like work environments.

Apps Adapting to Every Screen

"Android 17" imposes a stricter trend toward apps adapting to different screen sizes. Apps targeting the new version will not be able, on larger screens, to enforce a fixed orientation or prevent resizing of the window, with the exception of games.

This means developers must design their apps to work appropriately on phones, tablets, foldable devices, and external screens, rather than offering an interface designed for just one size.

This step comes at a time when "Google" states that the number of large-screen "Android" devices has surpassed 580 million devices, making support for flexible windows and multitasking an essential part of the system experience.

Stronger Data Protection and Security Codes

The release carries a set of security changes. Among them is a system-level contact picker that allows an app to temporarily access specific user-selected data, instead of granting it broad and permanent access to all contacts.

The system adds a location button that apps can give to the user to obtain precise permission during the current session only, along with tightened access to devices on the local network.

"Android 17" also expands the protection of verification codes sent via text messages, possibly delaying access to them for undeserved apps by up to three hours, excluding default messaging apps, assistants, and some connected devices.

The system also includes support for encryption technologies designed to counter the risks of quantum computing in the future, via keys and signatures that can be generated in secure hardware on compatible devices.

Performance and Camera Enhancements

The system imposes stricter limits on apps' memory consumption to prevent one app from affecting the performance of other apps or increasing battery usage. "Google" has also introduced improvements to memory management and internal message lists to reduce lag and speed up app launches.

In the realm of photography and media, "Android 17" adds support for new video and image formats, improvements to sound during slow connections, and broader options for manufacturers to offer specific camera features for their devices.

The system is now available for most supported "Pixel" devices, while companies including "Lenovo," "One Plus," "Oppo," "Xiaomi," "Vivo," and "Honor" are offering beta versions on some of their phones and tablets.

The changes are not limited to the features of the release itself, as "Google" is also moving towards a faster and more consistent pace of updating the "Android" platform, rather than limiting important enhancements to a single annual release.