New Delhi: So finally, after postponing the release of the Android 17 Beta 1 update, Google has finally rolled out its latest update for selected Pixel devices on February 13. This latest beta update is now available for download for select users, bringing the latest feature related to core Android functionality. One of the biggest changes this latest update unveils is mandatory large screen adaptivity, which means the developers can no longer opt out of resizing the application or including orientation changes for devices with bigger screens, like foldable smartphones. It is also highlighted that, instead of introducing the separate Developer Preview build for Android 17 first, Google has moved directly to the public beta phase.
Large Screen Adaptivity
Application aims Android 17 for running on the large screens can no longer opt out of resizing or orientation changes.
Optimised configuration changes
To prevent the state loss, the system will no longer restart the Activities by default for the specific configuration changes.
Lock-free Message Queue
A latest lock-free implementation of the Message Queue reduces the missed frames.
Notification restrictions
Google has also stated that strict size limits have been enforced on custom notification views to reduce memory usage.
Camera session updates
Users can switch use cases, attach and detach output surfaces without the need to reconfigure the entire camera capture session, without closing the session or causing glitches.
Constant quality for video recording
The users can now set video encoding quality in Media Recorder to configure constant quality mode for video encoders.
Background audio hardening
Audio playback, focus requests, and volume changes initiate silently if the application is not in a valid lifecycle state.
VVC Support
Added the platform support for Versatile Video Coding for better compression efficiency.
Android Advanced Protection Mode
An opt-in security feature that adds stronger safeguards for users at higher risk of targeted attacks. Once it is allowed, it also blocks the application sideloading, restricts USB data access, and enforces Google Play Protect scanning, helping to reduce the security threats while enabling the supported applications to adjust to a higher protection level automatically.
Handoff
It is the latest Android 17 features that let users move an application activity from one Android device to another seamlessly. It will enable the supported applications to resume the same task on a nearby device, either within the application itself or through a web link, enabling smoother cross-device continuity.
Now, let’s see the eligible Pixel devices:
- Pixel 6 series
- Pixel 7 series
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8 series
- Pixel 9 series
- Pixel 10 series
