Android 17 debuts with multitasking upgrades as Google boosts Gemini features

Google launched the final version of Android 17 on Tuesday, along with Wear OS 7 for smartwatches. The update first arrives on Pixel devices and is accompanied by a Pixel Drop, introducing support for new AI models such as the music generation model Lyria 3, the multimodal Gemini Omni, and speech-to-translation tools for the Pixel 10a with AudioLM.

This latest feature release highlights Google's strategy of leveraging its Android and Pixel devices to demonstrate its newest AI capabilities. While competitor Apple is focusing on catching up with AI through the September public launch of AI upgrades to Siri and iOS 27, Android 17 centers on Google's newest AI models, emphasizing Gemini's role in creation, communication, and other device experiences.

With today's Pixel Drop, Android Quick Share's file-sharing feature gains compatibility with Apple's AirDrop on older Pixel 8a and 9a devices. Additionally, Gemini Omni now allows video editing within a conversation, while Lyria 3 enables users to generate music tracks from text prompts and/or images in the Gemini app. Pixel 10a devices also receive improved speech-to-speech translation tools with AudioLM.

Image Credit:Google

Other phone features are also arriving, including the ability to record a personalized outgoing audio message for callers when you cannot answer. Additionally, the “Take a Message” feature will roll out to more global markets.

The Pixel Drop also brings emergency detection features to the Google Pixel Watch. If the watch detects a car crash, a fall, or the absence of a pulse, it will automatically contact emergency services and your designated emergency contacts.

Beyond AI, Android 17's larger update introduces features such as a “bubble bar,” a new user interface element that allows you to organize, move, and quickly access recent apps displayed as bubbles at the bottom of your screen. This feature aims to speed up app interactions and support multi-app workflows.

Image Credit:Google (Bubbles UI)

Social media users may appreciate Android 17's new feature that allows them to record themselves using the selfie camera and phone screen simultaneously, creating screen reaction videos that can be shared on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and others.

Image Credit:Google

Parental controls and security features have also been enhanced in this latest release, adding a “Mark as Lost” feature in Find Hub, Live Threat Detection, and other threat defenses, along with screen time limits and content filtering tools that can now be set with a PIN without requiring a Google account link.

A new foldable gaming mode provides a 50/50 layout with a dynamic gamepad.

Image Credit:Google

Meanwhile, watch owners can now receive live updates from phone apps that mirror onto the Pixel Watch. Smartwatches will also integrate more seamlessly with Google's upcoming AI glasses and other hardware, such as headphones.

This summer, Wear OS will introduce additional Gemini Intelligence features, such as tools for creating personalized widgets simply by describing them, and it will offer “Personal Intelligence” by connecting your Google apps and chat history with Gemini.

Image Credit:Google

Battery life improvements — up to 10%, according to Google — along with multi-step automation, will also arrive in the new Wear OS.