Google I/O Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

I spent a week with Android 17 Beta 3 on my Pixel, and these 4 features change everything

Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 3, introducing several new features. Key enhancements include: - App Bubbles: Floating shortcuts for easy access to applications, allowing for multitasking with multiple messaging apps. - Separate Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Toggles: Users can now toggle Wi-Fi and mobile data independently in the Quick Settings menu, improving efficiency. - Assistant Volume Control: A distinct volume level for virtual assistants can be set independently from media volume, enhancing user experience. - Hide App Names on Home Screen: Users can hide app names next to icons for a cleaner interface, allowing for greater customization. The full public release is expected around June 2026.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

YouTube now works with Android Auto, but not in the way you’d expect

YouTube now supports audio playback on Android Auto, but video viewing is not available. Google has added playback controls such as play, pause, and skip directly to the car interface, allowing users to manage playback without using their phones. This update is being gradually rolled out, and while it improves the user experience for audio content, it does not include video playback. Users subscribed to YouTube Premium Lite can access these features. Future enhancements for a more comprehensive YouTube experience may be introduced at Google I/O 2026.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Android 17: Google Finally Brought This Useful Trick to Every App

Google's Android 17 Beta has introduced an expanded "bubble" feature that allows users to activate the bubble format for nearly all applications, enhancing multitasking capabilities. This feature can be enabled by long-pressing an app icon and selecting the bubble option, allowing apps to appear in floating bubbles that can be resized and repositioned. Users can manage multiple bubble apps simultaneously. The update is being distributed to testers on devices including the Pixel 10, Pixel 6 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet, with a final release expected in June. Samsung is also expected to integrate this feature into its One UI for enhanced multitasking on Galaxy devices.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

BetaBeacon

February 18, 2026

Google starts teasing I/O 2026 with its latest puzzle

Google has released a puzzle game to reveal the dates for its developers' event, Google I/O 2026. The puzzle consists of five different games: Hole in one, Nonogram, Word wheel, Supersonic Bot, and Stretchy cat. Players must complete all builds to unlock the final bonus and reveal the event dates.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Google hasn’t forgotten about video apps for Android Auto

Google announced plans to enhance Android Auto by introducing video app support for users while parked, aimed at improving the experience for electric vehicle owners during charging breaks. A new flag, "CradleFeatureallowvideoapps," was discovered in the latest Android Auto beta version, v16.3.160744, indicating that video app functionality may be forthcoming. However, the feature is not yet active, and additional components are needed for seamless video playback. An APK teardown can reveal potential future features, but not all may be released to the public.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Google launches early Android 17 Beta for Pixel devices targeting app scalability

Google has launched the first Beta of Android 17 for Pixel devices, skipping the traditional Developer Preview. The Android Beta program is available for Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel Tablet, allowing users to enroll via the Android Beta website for an Over-The-Air update. Android 17 focuses on app scalability across various devices and includes performance improvements with a new garbage collection method and camera functionality upgrades. The full release timeline is flexible, expected several months after a Platform Stability milestone in March, likely after the Google I/O event in May and possibly coinciding with the Pixel 11 launch in August. Users can enroll in the Beta through the Android Beta website, but may experience instability, and those without a Pixel can use the Emulator in Android Studio.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Stunning Android 17 Leak: Blur UI Floating Screen Recorder & App Lock

The Android 17 update introduces a system-wide blur UI with a glassy design, enhancing the visual appeal of the notification shade. It features a floating screen recorder with multiple audio input options and touch indicators, allowing for seamless management during recordings. A built-in app lock enhances security through biometric authentication or device passwords, with hidden message previews for locked apps. The update also includes refinements to the notification and quick settings panels. Android 17 is currently in internal builds, expected to launch in 2026, with a preview at the Google I/O event.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress

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

November 24, 2025

Google Assistant could shut down for Android Auto in March 2026

Google Assistant will remain available on Android Auto until March 2026. The transition to Gemini has begun, with the rollout starting on November 20, 2025. A support document indicates uncertainty about Google Assistant's future on other platforms. Initially, Google planned to phase out Google Assistant by March 2025 on most mobile devices, but this timeline may be extended. Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices and will understand the same commands while allowing for more natural speech.