• Source:JND

Android 17 update featuresGoogle has come out with its Android 17 Beta 2, and this release comes almost two weeks after the tech giant released its Beta 1. This new Beta 2 version adds some improvements over the last one and puts more focus on API systems, cross-device capabilities and connectivity.

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Android 17 Beta 2: What's New This Time?

A few new features have been introduced, the first one is called the Bubbles feature, and this is there to provide users with a floating window interface for their Android devices, including tablets and foldables, and this bubble can be created by long-pressing on your desired app. This same Bubbles feature will have a different interface and will appear in a taskbar in foldables and tablets, through which users will be able to manage the Bubble-enabled apps. Developers will have to grind and make multi-control guidelines so that the app runs seamlessly.

EyeDropper API: This feature lets users pick a colour directly from a single pixel on their screen. So if you spot a shade you like in an image or app, you can sample it instantly and use it elsewhere.

Contacts Picker: The new Contacts Picker works across both personal and work profiles. Instead of giving apps full contact access, it offers temporary, session-based permissions tied to READ_CONTACTS, giving users more control over their data.

Cross-device and connectivity features: Android 17 introduces support for the Cross-Device Handoff API. This means you can start something on one device and continue it on another, like moving from your phone to a tablet. CompanionDeviceManager also improves transitions between apps and even from apps to web experiences. On the connectivity side, Ultra-Wideband DL-TDOA support enables more privacy-focused indoor navigation using FiRa 4.0 standards. Streaming apps will also be able to detect carrier-allocated bandwidth limits and adjust video quality accordingly.

OTP Protection: Google is tightening security around one-time passwords. In Android 17, OTPs can be delayed by up to three hours for apps that aren’t the intended message recipients. This applies to WebOTP messages, SMS retriever format messages, and standard OTP SMS, helping reduce misuse.

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Android 17 Timeline

Pixel users who have enrolled themselves for the Android Beta programme can now install this Beta through an OTA update. For users who don't have a Pixel device, this update can be installed through a 64-bit emulator, Android Studio. Google is working towards delivering the final SDK and NDK APIs by March itself.


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