Android 17 is set to enhance the user experience on Google Pixel phones with several noteworthy improvements, chief among them being the introduction of Bubbles. While pop-up and floating windows have been a staple for Android users, their integration into the Pixel UI marks a significant advancement. Previously, users seeking multitasking capabilities through floating windows often turned to other operating systems, such as Samsung’s One UI. However, with Android 17, Google is stepping up its game.
Historically, Bubbles were primarily associated with messaging apps, often perceived as more of a nuisance than a benefit. My own experience with them was less than favorable, as I would inadvertently activate conversation bubbles without fully appreciating their utility. Yet, after exploring the revamped Bubbles feature in Android 17, I find myself converted. The new functionality allows for a more seamless multitasking experience.
Add up to five apps to an Android 17 bubble group
In Android 16, users could utilize a split-screen mode where one app dominated the screen while a secondary app remained in a muted state. Tapping the secondary app would flip the display ratio, but this approach fell short for those wanting to juggle more than two applications simultaneously. Android 17 addresses this limitation by introducing app bubbles, enabling users to manage up to five apps at once. This innovative feature allows minimized apps to float above the current screen, providing easy access without the need for the app switcher.
Creating Bubbles is straightforward. Users can initiate the process by long-pressing an app icon from the home screen or app drawer. This action reveals a shortcut menu, where the option to create a Bubble appears. If the app supports custom shortcuts, the Bubble icon will be visible. Tapping this icon opens the first app bubble, allowing for a more interactive multitasking experience.
On devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Bubbles feature adapts to the larger display, integrating into the Taskbar. This setup allows users to access their Bubbles group conveniently while maintaining a clean interface. As you navigate through other applications, the Bubbles remain discreetly minimized, only revealing themselves when summoned from the Taskbar.
I love Android 17’s app bubbles, but there’s a catch
While the Bubbles feature in Android 17 represents a significant leap forward for Pixel devices, it does come with some limitations. Compared to the floating windows and pop-up views available on Samsung Galaxy phones, the Bubbles experience lacks certain functionalities. For instance, One UI 8.5 allows users to freely move and resize floating windows, as well as create them directly from the app switcher. In contrast, Pixel users must navigate back to the home screen or app drawer to access the Bubble feature.
Despite these shortcomings, the introduction of Bubbles in Android 17 is a commendable step toward enhancing multitasking capabilities for Pixel users. As Google continues to refine this feature, it holds the potential to become a more formidable competitor in the realm of mobile multitasking.
<aside data-block-layout="horizontal" data-block-type="featured-product" data-hawk-json='{"product":{"variants":{"Default":{"image":{"copyright":"","height":500,"id":"roHfB8CwZvHJScuZ8TL6Bf","mimeType":"image/jpeg","mos":"https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/roHfB8CwZvHJScuZ8TL6Bf.jpg","role":"","width":500,"credit":"Google","alt":"Google Pixel 10","caption":""},"strapline":"
Awesome app bubbles
Google Pixel phones are the first to get Android 17, so if you need a new phone and want to try them, the Pixel 10 is a good place to start. It can run Android 17 today and will get six more Android OS upgrades down the road.
“,”brand”:”Google”,”name”:”Pixel 10″,”url”:””,”urlStyle”:””,”retailer”:””,”layout”:”horizontal”,”linkText”:””,”noFollow”:false,”noAffiliateTracking”:false,”promoLabel”:””,”price”:null,”salePrice”:null,”currency”:null,”linkLayout”:”text”,”sponsored”:false,”hawkProductNameMatchedCode”:”Google Pixel 10″,”review”:{“cons”:[],”id”:””,”name”:””,”pros”:[],”rating”:0,”strapline”:””,”url”:””},”hawk”:{“attributes”:{“data-widget-type”:”merchantlink”,”data-model-name”:”Google Pixel 10″}},”id”:””,”lastCheckedPriceDate”:””}}}}’ data-model-brand=”Google” data-model-name=”Google Pixel 10″ data-name=”Horizontal Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”editorial” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
Awesome app bubbles Google Pixel phones are the first to get Android 17, so if you need a new phone and want to try them, the Pixel 10 is a good place to start. It can run Android 17 today and will get six more Android OS upgrades down the road.
