bubbles Archives

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Gemini Omni is ‘like Nano Banana for video’ and I couldn’t believe the results

Gemini Omni is a video-generation tool launched at Google I/O 2026, part of the June Pixel Drop, designed for creating multimedia content through conversational prompts. It is available on any smartphone with the appropriate Google AI subscription, offering a free version with limited access and more extensive features for subscribers of Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra. Users can create videos by uploading photos or videos and selecting aspect ratios, with the app providing suggestions for prompts. Gemini Omni replaces the Veo models within the Gemini app, although Veo remains available in other Google products. The app includes exclusive features like Screen Reactions and Bubbles for Pixel 10 users.

BetaBeacon

June 29, 2026

Android 17’s best new features

Bubbles enable better multitasking on mobile devices by allowing users to turn apps into floating windows that can be moved and resized.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

Android 17 ‘sneak peek’ at a foldable gaming mode has my attention—and then some

Mishaal Rahman, an employee at Google, revealed that Android 17 will feature a new foldable gaming mode designed to enhance gameplay on foldable devices. This mode will split the screen, displaying the game on the top half and a customizable virtual gamepad on the lower half, equipped with buttons similar to those on PlayStation or Nintendo controllers. The gaming mode is set to launch with the Android 17 platform release in the coming months. Additionally, Android 17 includes a multitasking tool called "Bubbles" and is currently undergoing testing with QPR1 Beta 5, which addresses various fixes.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

I tested Android 17 on my Pixel 9 Pro – its app bubbles are a multitasker’s dream

Android 17 has been released for Pixel devices, introducing several new features: 1. Desktop Mode allows users to connect their phones to an external monitor for a desktop-like experience with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. 2. App Bubbles enable seamless multitasking by allowing users to bubble apps for quick access from the home screen. 3. The selfie camera can be enabled during screen recordings, allowing users to narrate actions while appearing on screen. 4. The recent apps page now displays full app names and includes a drop-down menu for options like pinning, splitting the screen, taking screenshots, or clearing recent apps. 5. Early support for running GUI Linux applications is introduced, paving the way for future advancements in Linux environments on devices. 6. Enhanced HDR brightness allows users to customize the display of HDR content for a more dynamic viewing experience. The update process for Pixel 9 Pro took approximately 30 minutes, and the rollout for other Pixel devices is expected soon. Other Android users will need to wait for their respective device updates.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

I changed one Android 17 setting and made my Pixel home screen so much cleaner

Google Pixel phones have received an update that enhances home screen customization, allowing users to remove the At a Glance widget and eliminate app names for a cleaner aesthetic. The Android 17 update introduces five app icon styles and shapes, including a Minimal option that aligns icons with a color palette, and a Create option for custom designs with six styles. The Google Pixel 10 is highlighted as the ideal device to experience these features and future updates.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Android 17 Bubbles finally made me love multitasking on my Pixel

Android 17 introduces the Bubbles feature for Google Pixel phones, enhancing multitasking by allowing users to manage up to five apps simultaneously. Users can create Bubbles by long-pressing an app icon, and the feature integrates into the Taskbar on devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. However, compared to Samsung's One UI, Bubbles has limitations, such as lacking the ability to freely move and resize windows. The Pixel 10 is the first phone to run Android 17 and will receive six additional Android OS upgrades in the future.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Android 17 woes continue with Pixel users losing 5G connectivity

Pixel users are experiencing 5G connectivity issues after the Android 17 update, with many devices defaulting to LTE. Some users have found a workaround by using Repair Mode and restarting their phones to restore 5G capabilities. Additionally, there are reports of missing home screen widgets following the update, and Google is working on a fix for this issue.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

4 security upgrades in Android 17 you didn’t know about, but will be glad to have

Google's Android 17 update is being deployed to Pixel devices, introducing new features such as multitasking bubbles, expanded dark theme controls, and a revamped screen recording interface. Key user preferences from a poll indicate that 32% favor multitasking app bubbles, while other features received varying levels of support. The update includes App Memory Limits to prevent excessive RAM usage by apps, enhancing performance. It also restricts apps from scanning local networks without explicit permission, improving user privacy. Additionally, Android 17 tightens restrictions on dynamic code loading to strengthen malware protection and implements Certificate Transparency protections by default for secure HTTPS connections. Overall, these changes aim to enhance performance, security, and user experience.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

How to bring the best Android 17 features to any Android phone today

Android 17 introduces several features that enhance user experience and privacy, including the Bubbles multitasking system for managing multiple tasks, a Privacy Dashboard for easier navigation of privacy settings, and an “Expanded” Dark Mode for improved usability in low-light environments. Users of older Android versions can activate an “Extended” dark mode through developer settings. Additionally, the Twilight app mimics Android 17’s Comfort View to reduce eye strain by adjusting screen color temperatures.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Got a Google Pixel? Find these 4 Android 17 features ASAP

Android 17 introduces several innovative features aimed at enhancing user experience. The Bubbles system allows users to manage notifications flexibly by moving them anywhere on the screen and easily dismissing them. It also offers more precise control over app location access, allowing users to tailor permissions for enhanced security and privacy. The expanded dark mode setting provides a cohesive visual experience across applications, with options for specific exceptions. Additionally, the Comfort View feature reduces eye strain during prolonged use, prioritizing user comfort.