Android 17 smartphones

Android 17

• 1. Bubbles mode was introduced, allowing apps to be turned into compact floating windows over the main screen, quickly switch between them, and expand them to full screen.
• 2. Screen recording was updated: the Screen Reactions feature simultaneously captures what is happening on the display and the user through the front camera, which is convenient for tutorials, reviews, and video reactions.
• 3. Foldable smartphones received a split-screen gaming mode: the game is displayed in the upper part, while a virtual gamepad is shown in the lower part. The ability to remap external controller buttons was also added.
• 4. Gemini integration became deeper: on compatible devices, the assistant can perform sequential actions in apps, fill out complex forms, process screen content, and turn spoken words into ready-made text.
• 5. Privacy features now include temporary sharing of precise location and the ability to grant an app access only to selected contacts rather than the entire address book.
• 6. Lost smartphone protection was improved: Mark as lost mode allows the device to be locked with biometrics, preventing an attacker from removing the lock or disabling tracking even if they know the PIN code.
• 7. The system received built-in parental controls, improved RAM management, more stable game performance, and mandatory app adaptation for tablets and large foldable screens.