Computer Forum
Android 17 (Image © Google)
A central feature of Android 17 is the introduction of “multitasking bubbles”. With this system, users can turn any app into a floating window by holding down the app icon. These windows can be minimized and placed at the edge of the display, allowing users to switch between tasks without completely closing their current app. For the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Google has implemented a special bar at the bottom of the screen to organize these bubbles.
The update also introduces a special gaming mode that is specifically tailored to foldable devices in book format and is being used for the first time on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. When the device is partially folded, the user interface splits: the rest of the game is displayed in the top half of the screen, while the bottom half turns into a virtual gamepad. This layout is designed to prevent the user's hands from obscuring the visual content of the game.
Improvements in multimedia and data protection
Android 17 expands the functions of the system's screen recording tool. Users can now record their screen and simultaneously display a video image from the front camera, creating a picture-in-picture effect.
In the area of security, Google is introducing more detailed authorization controls. Apps can now be granted temporary access to a user's location or a selected group of contacts instead of full, permanent access. A new remote locking mechanism has also been added. This allows a lost or stolen device to be locked using biometric data, effectively blocking access - even if the intruder knows the device's PIN or password.
Pixel Drop and regional availability in Germany
In addition to the operating system update, Google is releasing a “Pixel Drop” that brings several functions to existing devices. These include the aforementioned multitasking bubbles and the improved screen recording function.
For users in Germany, the “Pixel Drop” introduces two special functions. Firstly, a call recording function is being introduced that automatically converts voice messages from missed calls into text. Secondly, voice-activated AI image editing will be available in Google Photos, allowing users to edit images using natural language commands. Google has not yet specified which Pixel models will receive the individual “Pixel Drop” functions.
