Android 17 starts rolling out to Pixel phones and watches
Google releases Android 17 for Pixel devices, introducing new features like floating app windows, screen recording with video overlay, and improved security. Simultaneously, a Pixel Drop and Wear OS 7 with Gemini Intelligence are launched.
Google has begun rolling out Android 17 to its Pixel phones and watches, along with a new Pixel Drop and Wear OS 7. The operating system, in testing since early this year, brings a modest set of new features and lays groundwork for future updates.
One key addition is an expanded Bubbles multitasking system. Users can long-press any app icon to open it as a floating window. On foldable phones, these bubbles can dock into a bubble bar for easier multitasking.
Android 17 also adds native support for screen reaction videos, allowing users to record themselves as an overlay on screen recordings without a green screen.
Security improvements include temporary location permissions and the ability to grant limited contact access. The improved "Mark as lost" feature locks a missing phone with biometrics and reduces allowed passcode guesses.
The Pixel Drop brings Gemini Omni for video generation (requiring a subscription) and Lyria 3 music generation (free). AirDrop support expands to Pixel 8a and 9a. Magic Cue suggestions now appear in Snapchat, Telegram, and Instagram.
Wear OS 7, based on Android 17, offers a 10% battery life boost and real-time notifications. Gemini Intelligence will arrive later this year. The update is available for all Tensor-powered Pixel devices from Pixel 6 onward. Non-Pixel devices will get Android 17 in the coming months, starting with Samsung.
