Android 17’s best new features

Google has recently launched a new version of Android. It may take a while to install, so while you wait you might as well explore what it has to offer.

Android 17 officially launched earlier this month, so if you have a Pixel or Samsung phone, you can start the download. It brings a lot of new features to play with, so without wasting any more time, let’s find out. Here are some of the top Android 17 features when you see the install progress on your phone screen.

Bubbles enable better multitasking

Some of these updates are intended for, or best used for, foldables or other “large-screen devices,” as Google calls them. The first of these is Bubbles, which is an easy way to multitask on your mobile device.

All you have to do is long press an app icon to turn it into a floating window that you can move around and resize as needed. It can live on top of any other open app, so if you want to livestream a World Cup game in a window and react to it with your teammates in a group chat at the same time, you can do that. It feels very intuitive and useful, which is what we want to see in any free software update.

Better gaming on foldable devices

Talking about foldables, Google has also enhanced the gaming experience on these devices with Android 17. If you have something like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, you can orient it in landscape mode and use a new layout where games display on the top half of the screen, while a virtual controller occupies the bottom half. A lot of mobile games overlay virtual controls on top of the gameplay, but this would theoretically allow you to play the game without everything getting in the way. Another win for foldables.

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Record screen reactions for your social feeds

We live in a world where everything requires a reaction on social media. Nowadays, this often takes the form of someone talking in front of an image of the thing they are reacting to in their selfie camera. With Android 17, you can do this easily. Google says overlaying itself on top of an image or viral clip requires “just a few taps,” at which point you can shout about it. Friends, this connection won’t happen automatically, but Android 17 comes close to doing it all for you.

Advanced Parental Controls

Parental controls aren’t necessarily “exciting” according to the dictionary definition of the word, but they are good and important. With Android 17, Google has added some much-needed new safety features for kids. They originally launched on Pixel devices late last year, but they’re now available for everything running Android.

With these features, you can do things like filter Google Play downloads, set a time to lock the device every night, and set screen time limits for youngsters. None of these are revolutionary, but they are Are It is important to ensure that your child does not develop a debilitating screen addiction.

lock your lost phone

Finally, we have another feature that may not be “exciting” in the traditional sense, but will definitely save a lot of money and prevent a lot of stress for Android device owners.

‘Mark as Lost’ is a new feature that will allow you to remotely lock a lost phone using Find Hub. Even if the unethical thief who stole your device has your PIN, they won’t be able to unlock the phone without your biometrics. You may not be able to get the phone back, but they won’t be able to do anything with it.