Recent updates in Android, particularly with Android 17, focus on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing numerous new features. Key highlights include:
- Revamped multitasking capabilities with expanded chat bubbles, allowing interaction with multiple apps simultaneously.
- A bubble bar for foldable devices that displays all active floating windows for easy access, though launching apps as bubbles from the recents menu is not supported.
- Tailored updates for foldable devices, including a dedicated gaming mode and native controller remapping for customization.
- New customization options, such as hiding app labels on home screens and per-app adjustments for the dark theme.
- Enhanced background blur effects and the ability to disable them through accessibility settings.
- Security updates including Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock enabled by default, and a new Contact Picker feature for sharing specific contacts.
- Improved parental controls allowing for daily limits, downtime schedules, and individual app restrictions.
- A consistent user experience across devices, with applications adapting to different screen sizes and the introduction of features like Continue On for cross-device continuity.
- Anticipated future enhancements related to Gemini Intelligence.
Google has released the stable version of Android 17 for all supported Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Key features include:
- App Bubbles for multitasking, allowing users to launch apps in floating windows.
- Enhanced Picture-in-Picture mode for full interactivity in desktop environments.
- Encouragement for developers to optimize apps for various screen orientations and sizes.
- Implementation of app memory limits to improve performance and battery life.
- A 50:50 split-screen mode for gaming on foldable phones and native controller remapping.
- The Continue On feature for seamless task transitions between devices.
- Improved privacy features, including temporary access to location data and a Mark As Lost feature.
- Support for Eclipsa Video HDR format and enhanced audio quality through the Extended HE-AAC encoder.
- Introduction of the RAW14 image format for better camera capabilities.
- Enhanced support for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, particularly for hearing aids.
Google has rolled out Android 17, with Pixel smartphones being the first to receive the update, while other eligible devices will gain access throughout 2026. The update emphasizes productivity, entertainment, and enhanced security. Key features include:
- A revamped “Bubbles” feature for multitasking, allowing apps to be transformed into floating windows.
- A dedicated “bubble bar” for larger devices to switch between apps easily.
- An upgraded screen recording functionality with a “Screen Reactions” feature that captures video from the front-facing camera.
- A “foldable gaming mode” optimizing performance for foldable phones, featuring a 50/50 split view for games and a dynamic gamepad.
- Native controller remapping for external controllers and improved system memory cleanup to reduce frame drops during gaming.
- A new “Mark as lost” feature in Find Hub for locking missing phones with biometric authentication.
- Targeted privacy options for temporary app access to location and contacts.
- Enhanced security features including limited PIN guesses and upgraded Live Threat Detection.
- A built-in home screen setting to hide app names, dedicated volume controls for virtual assistants, expanded dark theme customization, and extended Parental Controls.
- Strict app memory limits to enhance speed and battery life.
The June Pixel Drop has introduced the Bubbles feature, allowing users to open up to five apps in floating bubbles for easy access without switching away from the current app. Users can activate this by long-pressing any app icon, which opens it in a small floating window that minimizes into a bubble when tapped outside. This feature is particularly useful for messaging and media apps. On larger devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, app bubbles are organized in a dedicated bubble bar for easier multitasking. The Bubbles feature has officially rolled out to all Pixel devices running Android 17, following its availability in the Android 17 beta. User feedback has been mostly positive despite some minor issues. The June Pixel Drop also introduces other features such as Screen Reactions and new Gemini models.
The Start interface in Windows 11 is a centered floating window that can be accessed by clicking the Start button or using keyboard shortcuts like WINKEY or Ctrl + Esc. Key features include a Search box for initiating searches, a customizable Pinned section for frequently used apps, a Recommended area for recently accessed items, and an All section displaying all installed apps. Users can manage their account through the Account manager, access power options for Lock, Sleep, Shutdown, and Restart, and connect mobile devices via the Phone Link app.
Customization options for the Start interface include moving the Start and Taskbar icons to the left, configuring Windows Search settings, and customizing the Pinned and Recommended sections. Users can pin, unpin, and rearrange app shortcuts in the Pinned section, adjust what appears in the Recommended section, and choose between different layout views in the All section. The Account manager allows limited customization of notifications, and users can add folders and mobile device slices to Start. The Quick link menu provides access to legacy management interfaces and can be accessed by right-clicking the Start button or using WINKEY + X.
Microsoft is introducing a docking feature for the Windows 11 Copilot app, allowing it to be pinned to the left or right edge of the screen. This feature automatically resizes other open applications to create additional workspace and is being rolled out progressively. The update includes layout options for Copilot, such as functioning as a standalone app, picture-in-picture mode, and the new docking options. When docked, the interface adjusts to accommodate the Copilot panel, even resizing full-screen applications like File Explorer. The latest update reintroduces a layout similar to the original sidebar design from 2024, integrating Copilot alongside other applications. The current version of Copilot operates as an Edge-based wrapper, and users can choose to use it as a standalone application if preferred. The docking layout allows for easier access to features like Copilot Vision, but Microsoft has not confirmed automatic docking for certain features. The rollout is gradual, and not all users will have immediate access to the new options.
Android 17 Beta 3 introduces significant multitasking capabilities with the Bubbles system, allowing users to run applications in floating windows. Screen recording features a floating control panel for editing, sharing, and deleting recordings. Quick Settings have been simplified with distinct toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. This beta version is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, with finalized SDK and NDK APIs for developers. The Bubbles system allows users to open apps in floating windows, and enhancements for foldable devices include dragging icons for better multitasking. Users can now disable dark mode for individual apps, and privacy features include adaptive password visibility based on input methods and a new Location Button for temporary location access.
Google has released Android 17 Beta 3, featuring app bubbles, which enhance multitasking by allowing users to keep applications floating on their screens for quick access. Users can create app bubbles by long-pressing any app icon and selecting the "bubble" option, which opens the app in a small floating window that can be minimized into a bubble. Multiple bubbles can be stacked, and tapping a stack expands it for easy management. Users can remove bubbles by dragging them to an "X" button, and on foldable devices, bubbles can be arranged in a taskbar-style layout. The app bubbles feature allows for various multitasking scenarios, such as responding to messages without switching apps, keeping notes open while shopping, watching videos while taking notes, checking maps during chats, planning trips without app switching, and copying information easily between applications.
Google has introduced a desktop windowing mode as the default on tablets running the latest Android builds, starting with the Pixel Tablet. This feature includes freeform windows, a persistent taskbar, and the ability to create and switch between multiple desktops. Users can manipulate apps by floating, resizing, snapping to edges, and minimizing or maximizing them, similar to traditional PC or Mac interfaces. The taskbar displays all running apps across desktops, allowing for quick app switching. Users can snap two apps side by side and resize them simultaneously. Desktop windowing allows for rapid app transitions, enhancing efficiency when managing multiple applications. However, it consumes vertical space on the display, making full-screen and split-screen views more efficient for tasks requiring fewer apps. The feature builds on Android 12L's enhancements for large screens and aims to improve productivity on tablets. Despite its advantages, there are some limitations, such as unclear app movement between desktops and limited keyboard shortcuts. Users can mix modes, using desktops for multi-app workflows while reverting to full-screen or split-screen views when needed. This update signifies a shift in how users interact with tablets, making them more functional for productivity tasks.
