Google releases Android 17 on Pixel with floating Bubbles, Screen Reactions, and foldable gaming mode
Google has begun rolling out Android 17 to Pixel phones, introducing floating app windows for multitasking, a built-in screen recorder with selfie overlay, and a split-screen gaming layout for foldables. Other device manufacturers are expected to deliver the update throughout 2026.
Multitasking with Bubbles
Android 17 introduces Bubbles, a system-wide floating window feature activated by a long press on any app icon. Up to five apps can hover as resizable, movable windows over the main screen, enabling simultaneous tasks like browsing maps while watching a video. On large-screen devices such as tablets and foldables, a dedicated Bubble bar at the bottom of the display organises and switches between the floating windows, a layout Google describes as more convenient for multitasking.
Screen Reactions and foldable gaming
A new Screen Reactions mode lets users record the phone screen while simultaneously capturing a selfie video via the front-facing camera. The selfie feed appears as a small overlay on the screen recording, removing the need for third-party apps when creating reaction videos or tutorials. For gaming, foldable Pixel devices gain a 50/50 split layout: the game runs in the top half while a dynamic virtual gamepad occupies the bottom. Android 17 also includes native controller remapping, though both the gaming mode and remapping will be unlocked only in the coming months.
Privacy and security upgrades
Location permissions can now be granted on a temporary, single-use basis, and users can choose between precise and approximate location. Apps may also be restricted to accessing only selected contacts instead of the entire address book. The Find My Device feature has been updated to allow remote biometric locking via fingerprint or face recognition, preventing a thief who knows the PIN from accessing the device or disabling location tracking.
Parental Controls and Wear OS 7
Android Parental Controls, previously available only on Pixel phones, now come built into Android 17 for all compatible devices once manufacturers ship the update. Parents can set screen-time limits, downtime schedules, app-specific usage controls, and download filters. Separately, Google began rolling out Wear OS 7 on 16 June for Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, delivering Live Updates that synchronise real-time information such as sports scores or food delivery status across watch and phone. Google claims up to 10% better battery life compared with Wear OS 6.
AI features and rollout timeline
Not everything announced at the Android Show is live today. Generative AI capabilities under the Gemini Intelligence umbrella, including video generation from text via the Omni model and music creation through Lyria 3, are scheduled to launch later this summer. Gemini Intelligence will first reach recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel handsets, with expansion to watches, smart glasses, cars, and laptops by the end of the year. The Android 17 update itself is available starting today for Pixel 6 and newer, while other brands will adapt and deliver it over the course of 2026.
- Stable Android 17 begins rolling out to Google Pixel 6 and newer; Wear OS 7 launches for Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4.
- Android 17 widely reported as available on Pixel devices; Pixel Drop with exclusive AI features starts shipping.
- Foldable gaming mode and native controller remapping unlock in the coming months.
- Gemini Intelligence, Omni video generation, and Lyria 3 music creation launch later this summer for recent Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.
- Other manufacturers deliver Android 17 updates throughout the year; Gemini Intelligence expands to watches, glasses, cars, and laptops by year-end.
- Android XR smart glasses expected to launch this fall, integrating with Wear OS 7 and future Android XR connections.
