floating bubble Archives

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

Android 17 beta 2 brings a new multitasking trick and cross-device handoff

Android 17 Beta 2 is now available for developers, introducing new features and bug fixes, including solutions for spontaneous reboots and interface freezes. Key features include the ability to create floating app bubbles, Cross-device app Handoff for seamless task continuation across devices, a new system-level contact picker for temporary read-only access to contacts, expanded SMS OTP protection, and enhanced local network privacy. The update also includes an EyeDropper API for color requests without needing screen capture permissions. Enrollment in the Android Beta Program is required for Pixel device users to access the update, which is rolling out via OTA, with options for sideloading or manual flashing. The stable release of Android 17 is expected in mid-2026.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

This new Android feature is amazing, but I’m scared for its future

Android 16 introduced Live Updates, a feature that prioritizes important notifications like transit directions and Uber progress, making them easily accessible without needing to open the app. Live Updates display information in a bubble or chip in the status bar, allowing users to glance at their screens for essential updates. This feature is particularly useful for public transport users and drivers, as it integrates seamlessly into the Android interface, appearing in the notification drop-down, on the lock screen, and on the always-on display. However, the adoption of Live Updates among developers has been low, with only a few apps like Uber, byAir, and Flud utilizing it effectively. Many Google applications, such as the Clock app and the Google app, have not integrated Live Updates, raising concerns about the feature's future viability.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

New Android Gesture Will Let You Run Any App in a Floating Bubble

Google is enhancing the Android experience on tablets by introducing a feature that allows users to run any Android app in a floating bubble. This feature, referred to as "bubble anything," will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar and drop it into a corner of the screen, launching it in a smaller, movable window. This functionality aims to improve multitasking on Android tablets, aligning with existing features like split-screen mode. A new tutorial with animations will guide users on how to use the drag-to-float gesture. Currently, the bubble feature is limited to conversation notifications from select messaging apps, but the upcoming update will expand this capability to all apps pinned to the taskbar. The timeline for the release of this feature is uncertain, but development is ongoing.