… While the new beta packs plenty of changes, there's one that stands out, as it can radically change how you multitask on your Pixel. With Android 17 Beta 3, Google is introducing the ability to run any app in a "bubble" mode. …
… A universal messaging app is a fundamental part of the future of Android We need an equivalent app to iMessage on Android Google has made significant steps towards turning Google Messages into a messaging app on par with iMessage . …
… The change is rolling out to Android Developer Console and Play Developer Console, which will allow developers to register and verify apps ahead of the changes that will go out to all users later this year. …
… The changes don't appear tied to a Play Store release, indicating Google may be pushing it widely through a server-side update. Most Android Auto media apps should automatically use the new UI the next time you fire up Android Auto in your car. …
… Related Here’s how Android 17’s App Lock will handle notifications Android Canary 2601 spills the beans Ability to hide app names on the home screen Make your Pixel's home screen much cleaner Building on improving the home screen experience, with the release of Android 17 Beta 3 , Google has also i… …
… Bubbles will make multitasking feel effortless Floating bubbles will keep apps within easy reach One of the biggest user-facing changes in Android 17 for power users is the addition of Bubbles. If you've used Paranoid Android custom ROM back in the day, this will feel familiar. …
… Android Canary 2603 packs many visual changes Google's newest Android Canary build packs a surprising number of visual changes. It also packs many new features, some of which were first seen in Android 17 Beta 2. This includes a native app lock feature along with the ability to bubble an app. …
… Google has attempted to make changes to Android to make it more welcoming to larger screens, but that largely translated to the push of Android 12L in early 2022, and not much else afterward. …
Jon Gilbert May 2, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT Jon Gilbert is a Features Writer for Android Police. I've covered Android since 2021, focusing on writing features and guides about Android apps and features that directly affect users. …
… Sign in to your Android Police account I've learned not to hope for much from Android updates and started appreciating the subtleties. …