Android 17 Launched — Here’s What’s New and Who’s Getting It

Google has released the final version of Android 17, along with Wear OS 7 for smartwatches.

The update is rolling out first to Google’s Pixel devices and is arriving with a new Pixel Drop that adds several AI-focused features.

These include support for Google’s latest AI models, such as Lyria 3 for music generation, Gemini Omni for multimodal tasks, and AudioLM-powered speech-to-translation tools for the Pixel 10a.

Google Pushes AI on Pixel

The latest Pixel Drop shows Google’s strategy of using Android and Pixel devices to bring its newest AI tools to users.

While Apple is preparing to launch AI upgrades for Siri and iOS 27 in September, Google is using Android 17 to focus on Gemini’s role in creation, communication, and everyday device features.

Quick Share and Gemini Tools

Android Quick Share is becoming compatible with Apple’s AirDrop on older Pixel 8a and Pixel 9a devices.

Gemini Omni will now allow users to edit videos through a conversation.

Lyria 3 will let users create music tracks using text prompts, images, or both inside the Gemini app.

Pixel 10a users will also get improved speech-to-speech translation tools powered by AudioLM.

Phone and Calling Features

Google is adding a new phone feature that lets users record a personalized outgoing audio message for callers when they cannot answer.

The Take a Message feature is also expanding to more global markets.

Pixel Watch Safety Features

The Pixel Drop also brings emergency detection features to the Google Pixel Watch.

If the watch detects a car crash, a fall, or a lack of pulse, it can automatically contact emergency services and selected emergency contacts.

Bubble Bar

Android 17 adds a new user interface feature called Bubble Bar.

It lets users organize, move, and quickly access recent apps that appear as bubbles at the bottom of the screen.

Google says the feature is designed to speed up app interactions and support multi-app workflows.

Screen Reaction Videos

Android 17 also adds a feature aimed at social media users.

Users can now record themselves with the selfie camera and phone screen at the same time.

The feature is designed for screen reaction videos that can be shared on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and others.

Security and Parental Controls

Google has improved parental controls and security features in Android 17.

The update adds a Mark as Lost feature in Find Hub, Live Threat Detection, and other threat protections.

It also adds screen time limits and content-filtering tools that can be set with a PIN without linking a Google account.

Foldable Gaming Mode

Android 17 includes a new foldable gaming mode.

The feature offers a 50/50 layout with a dynamic gamepad for foldable devices.

Wear OS 7

Wear OS 7 is also rolling out with new smartwatch features. Watch owners can now receive live updates from phone apps mirrored to the Pixel Watch.

Smartwatches will also work better with Google’s upcoming AI glasses and other hardware, including headphones. This summer, Wear OS will add more Gemini Intelligence features.

These include tools for creating personalized widgets by describing them and a Personal Intelligence feature that connects Google apps and chat history with Gemini.

Google also says Wear OS will bring battery life improvements of up to 10% and support for multistep automation.