What you need to know
Android 17 Beta 3 marks a significant leap forward in multitasking capabilities, following a series of earlier beta versions that primarily focused on backend enhancements. This latest iteration introduces the innovative Bubbles system, allowing users to run nearly any application in floating windows, thereby achieving true multitasking.
- Screen recording has been upgraded with a floating control panel that offers quick options for editing, sharing, and deleting recordings.
- Quick Settings have undergone a simplification, now featuring distinct toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, a long-awaited improvement.
Initially launched in mid-February, Android 17 Beta 1 introduced a series of standard updates behind the scenes. The subsequent Beta 2, released just a week later, hinted at the potential of the “Bubbles” windowing framework, though it was not yet functional. Now, with the arrival of Beta 3, Google has fulfilled its promise, making this version available for Pixel 6 and newer devices. As highlighted by Google’s community engagement manager for Android, Mishaal Rahman, on Reddit, this release has reached a milestone in platform stability. This means that both the SDK and NDK APIs are finalized, enabling developers to begin rolling out applications for Android 17 on the Play Store.
The centerpiece of this update is the completion of the multitasking feature. With the Bubbles system, users can effortlessly open nearly any app in a floating window that remains above others. By simply long-pressing an app icon on the launcher or taskbar and selecting the “bubble” option, multitasking becomes seamless. For users with foldable devices and tablets, there’s an added convenience: dragging an icon from the taskbar to a designated corner enhances the multitasking experience. On larger screens, a new bubble bar UI allows users to pin bubbles to the taskbar, facilitating organization and movement between set points.
In response to user feedback, Android 17 Beta 3 also addresses issues from the previous version, which enforced dark mode on apps lacking support, sometimes leading to display inconsistencies. Now, users have the flexibility to disable the dark theme for individual applications, allowing certain apps to maintain their original appearance while the system remains in dark mode.
Privacy enhancements are another highlight of this update. The visibility of passwords now adapts based on the input method: physical keyboards will conceal characters immediately for enhanced privacy, while touch inputs will briefly display them to compensate for the absence of tactile feedback. Additionally, a new Location Button feature allows apps to request precise location data for a single session, eliminating the need for a system dialog and avoiding permanent permission grants.
