Android 17 Beta 2 has arrived, bringing with it a wealth of new features that enhance user experience significantly. Among the most notable additions is an innovative windowing mode that elevates the concept of bubbles, previously limited to messaging apps.
In last month’s leak regarding Android 17, we caught a glimpse of the potential for activating non-messaging applications as “bubbles.” This feature, which allows users to respond to conversations while engaging with other applications, has now evolved. Google’s latest announcement clarifies that the term “bubbles” now encompasses two distinct functionalities within the operating system.
Historically, only messaging applications were compatible with Google’s bubbles API. This remains true, as the recent blog post from Google indicates that the new additions are separate from the traditional conversations mode. However, the term “bubbles” now also refers to floating windows, reminiscent of multitasking features offered by other manufacturers such as Samsung and OnePlus. These companies have long provided users the ability to operate entire applications in resizable, movable windows across their operating systems.
Google illustrates this feature prominently with foldable devices. While the Pixel Fold series has not traditionally matched the multitasking capabilities of its competitors, the introduction of bubbles in Android 17 may change that narrative. It appears that any Android device can utilize floating app bubbles, but foldables and tablets will benefit from a streamlined shortcut for launching windowed apps directly from the taskbar by simply dragging the app icon to the lower-right corner. Once activated, the application operates seamlessly, enhancing user interaction.
The dual use of the term “bubbles” may cause some confusion, yet this enhancement is a significant stride for Android 17, particularly for users of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or Pixel Tablet. Google has been playing catch-up in this arena, and while devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold may offer a more spacious environment for these floating windows, even Google’s more compact folding phones are set to experience a substantial upgrade.
For developers, Google advises adherence to the existing multi-window mode guidelines to ensure that applications are compatible with the new bubbles feature.
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