Google releases Android 17 Beta 2 with universal bubbles and enhanced privacy on Pixels
Google made available this Wednesday (26) the second beta version of Android 17 exclusively for the Pixel line. The update arrives less than two weeks after Beta 1 and brings a series of improvements in privacy, multitasking and correction of critical system instabilities. Dispositivos from Pixel 6, including foldable models, tablets and the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, now receive the new build through the Android Beta program.
The rollout began at Pacífico time and users enrolled in the program should see the OTA notification within the next few hours. The focus of the release remains on preparing for platform stability, scheduled for March, with a final release expected in the second quarter of 2026.
Main new features implemented in Android 17 Beta 2:
- Expanding the Bubbles feature to any app, allowing floating windows when pressing and holding icons on the home screen
- System-level contact picker with temporary access limited to requested fields only
- New EyeDropper API that captures pixel colors on screen without screenshot permission
- Redesigned privacy indicators with compact, more discreet icons in the status bar
- Unified “Accounts and backup” menu that groups passwords, access keys and data copy options
Bubbles feature expansion for multitasking
The Bubbles mode has been significantly expanded in this release. Qualquer application can now generate floating windows independent of traditional message bubbles. The user activates the feature by pressing and holding the app icon on the home screen.
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On devices with larger screens, such as tablets and foldables, a bar dedicated to bubbles appears integrated into the taskbar. Essa bar allows you to organize, move and pin windows to custom positions on the screen.
The functionality improves productivity by enabling the simultaneous use of several apps without the need to switch between full screens. Desenvolvedores already has support for adapting interfaces to the new behavior.
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Important advances in privacy
The contact selector gained a more granular and secure approach. Access is only granted temporarily, during the session, and restricted to the exact fields requested by the application. Usuários can choose between personal and professional profiles without exposing unnecessary data.
This change eliminates the requirement for broad permissions like READ_CONTACTS in most cases. The measure aligns Android with current practices to minimize the collection of personal data.
Redesigned sensor usage indicators
The camera, microphone and location indicators have been redesigned to be more discreet. The previous wide pill has been replaced with smaller circles with clear inner icons. The change makes it easier to quickly identify active accesses without taking up excessive space in the status bar.
See Also
EyeDropper API for color capture
A new system-level API allows applications to capture the exact color of any pixel displayed on the screen. The feature does not require screenshot permissions, increasing security for design tools, photo editing and creative apps.
Critical stability fixes
Beta 2 resolved several regressions identified in the previous version. Instabilidades that caused spontaneous restarts, freezes during app transitions, and loss of progress in apps have been eliminated.
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Specific issues in languages such as German in the recent apps screen layout have also been fixed. Video streaming reliability has improved with improved support for temporal layers in encoders.
Other bug fixes include screensaver bugs in low light mode, folder interactions on the home screen, Android Auto disconnections that crashed the interface, typos in permission dialogs, and unwanted overlays in the debug QR code reader.
Settings Reorganization
The “Back up or copy data” and “Passwords, passkeys and accounts” sections have been combined into a single menu called “Accounts and backup”. Unification simplifies navigation and centralizes related functionalities in a single point in the settings.
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Small improvements and adjustments
The Pixel Launcher search bar has returned to a more stable layout in some scenarios. A block dedicated to quick satellite settings has been added, expanding connectivity options in remote areas.
Persistent issues with ringtone preview, wallpaper settings, live translation, and shader compilation in Pixel 6 Pro have also received fixes for greater consistency.
The Android 17 Beta 2 consolidates advances in privacy and multitasking while eliminating instabilities that degraded the experience. Usuários and developers continue to have early access to features that are expected to arrive in the final version in 2026.
