Google’s recent annual developer conference, “Google I/O 2026,” devoted most of its programming to artificial intelligence. The event mainly highlighted Gemini Intelligence and the company’s plans to integrate AI into its devices and the Android system.
While the recently released Android 17 also has a strong focus on AI, it’s important to note that some of its features are not tied directly to Gemini. The expectation is that the complete integration of Gemini Intelligence will only occur in the second half of the year, more specifically around the summer in the northern hemisphere.
Simplified content production with Android 17 on-screen reactions
One of the features that stands out is the “On-Screen Reaction” functionality. It allows users to simultaneously record their smartphone screen and their own face using the device’s front camera. Reactions can be overlaid directly on apps, websites or videos.
This tool makes it easy to create reaction videos, popular on platforms like YouTube and other social networks, using just your smartphone. The innovation eliminates the need for additional resources such as the use of green screen.
Improved multitasking experience for foldable smartphones with bubble feature
Android 17 also introduces important innovations for the foldable smartphone category. Initially, these new features will be available for Pixel Fold models, both current and future releases.
Among the most notable features is “Bubble”, which operates in a similar way to image-in-image mode. With it, you can display one application in the foreground while another remains visible in the background on the screen.
By long-pressing an application icon, the user can instantly superimpose another application on the screen. Apps displayed as bubbles appear in pop-up windows, giving you the flexibility to switch between them or expand to full screen as needed.
This capability improves productivity by allowing you to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. You can, for example, take notes or send messages while searching for travel information, or check maps while reading work emails.
Intuitive game controls and performance optimization on Android 17
The gaming experience has also received significant improvements, especially for foldable smartphones, which now use the device’s two screens. The top half of the screen, when the device is horizontal, is dedicated to the game, while the bottom half becomes a virtual touch-sensitive controller.
Google also announced optimizations in cleaning system memory, which aims to reduce drops in frame rate and crashes during gaming sessions. This measure seeks to provide more fluid and uninterrupted gameplay for users.
Android 17 also brings important improvements to the operating system’s security features. With this update, users will have more precise control over their privacy settings. For example, you can temporarily grant access to your exact location to specific apps, or share it with only selected contacts.
Another new feature announced is the improvement in the smartphone locking system, allowing users to lock their devices remotely using biometric authentication in case of loss or suspected theft.
What’s new in Wear OS 7 for smartwatches and wearable devices
In the world of wearable devices, Wear OS 7, the operating system for smartwatches, also had its launch.
The new media output selector simplifies switching audio destinations for different devices, such as switching from headphones to speakers, right on the user’s wrist.
Wear OS 7 also offers a real-time update feature, which allows you to display and monitor various information. This means that data is continually updated on the smartwatch.
With this, the user can, for example, check the delivery time of a food order without having to pick up their smartphone, or consult navigation information while driving, all directly on the smart watch.
Although Wear OS 7 introduces several new features, the general impression is that it is not a revolutionary update in itself. This is because much of the built-in functionality was designed for future wearable devices.
There are plans, for example, for features that will allow users to view videos and photos captured with smart glasses directly on their smartwatches. In this way, smartwatches with Wear OS should gain an increasing role as complements to the new AI smart glasses that Google is developing.
Despite the official release of Android 17, Gemini Intelligence’s AI capabilities are not yet fully active. These features are expected to be available later in the year, following the launch of “Audio Glasses” and “Smart Glasses” from Google and Samsung.
Gemini will be more deeply integrated into Google’s latest smartphones, allowing it to act on users’ behalf across multiple applications. Google also plans to add more AI-based photo and video features that will leverage the Gemini Omni model.
In short, the AI features that are the main attraction of Android 17 are still to come. This official launch is therefore a preliminary step towards full Gemini Intelligence. Those who were expecting robust AI functionality may experience slight initial disappointment, but Android users still have some time to explore the current innovations before the full implementation of AI capabilities.