floating windows

AppWizard
March 27, 2026
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.
AppWizard
March 27, 2026
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.
AppWizard
March 11, 2026
Google plans to introduce a new multitasking experience in Android in 2026, featuring a Bubbles system for improved interaction with multiple applications. Samsung has implemented a similar floating window feature in its latest Android software. The Overlays app allows users to create widget-based Bubbles on any Android device, while the Panels app provides easy access to the app drawer with a swipe, enhancing navigation and multitasking. These developments indicate a trend towards more intuitive and efficient digital interactions on Android devices.
AppWizard
February 26, 2026
Android 17 Beta 2 introduces a new windowing mode that expands the concept of "bubbles" beyond messaging apps to include floating windows for non-messaging applications. This feature allows users to interact with multiple applications simultaneously. The term "bubbles" now refers to both the traditional messaging mode and the new floating windows, which can be resized and moved, similar to multitasking features from other manufacturers. Any Android device can utilize these floating app bubbles, but foldables and tablets will have a shortcut for launching windowed apps from the taskbar. Developers are advised to follow existing multi-window mode guidelines for compatibility with the new feature.
AppWizard
December 8, 2025
Last week, a demonstration of Android XR glasses took place at Google's Hudson River office, showcasing features such as visual assistance and gyroscopic navigation. These glasses are part of a developer kit for Android developers. Google aims to integrate these devices with Android phones and smartwatches by 2026. The strategy for AI glasses includes two types: one focusing on audio and camera features, and another incorporating a display for visual cues. Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK is set to launch soon, supporting a wide range of existing third-party Android apps. The glasses can display navigation routes and driver information for Uber rides. Gemini, the assistant, provides contextual information immediately upon wearing the glasses. The Samsung Galaxy XR headset has new features like PC Connect and travel mode, while Xreal's Project Aura glasses offer a 70-degree field of view and access to Android apps. The anticipated price for Project Aura could be around ,000, with a potential late next year launch.
AppWizard
October 31, 2025
The Samsung Galaxy XR was recently launched, featuring various demonstrations of its capabilities, including Project Pulsar from Adobe, an immersive video editing application designed specifically for Android XR. Project Pulsar allows users to edit videos with an understanding of video depth, enabling sophisticated handling of 3D elements. During the launch, Max Spear from Google showcased the app by editing footage from a hot air balloon festival, using an AI assistant to generate creative captions and integrating them into the video. The app simplifies the process of creating advanced visual effects, allowing users to place text behind subjects without extensive VFX expertise. Adobe's partnership as a launch partner adds credibility to the Galaxy XR and positions it as a tool for content creation. Project Pulsar will be included in the “Explorer Pack” for all Galaxy XR purchasers.
Search