Google has released Android 17 Beta 2 for developers, bringing several notable features and bug fixes. A key addition is the Bubbles feature, which allows users to turn any app into a floating window by long-pressing its icon in the launcher. On large screens, a dedicated bubble bar in the taskbar helps manage these windows.
The update also introduces Cross-device app handoff, enabling users to start a task on one Android device and continue it seamlessly on another, similar to Apple's Continuity. A new system-level contact picker enhances privacy by granting apps temporary, read-only access to specific contact fields instead of full contact list access.
Other improvements include an expanded SMS OTP protection system, stronger safeguards against unauthorized local network access, and a new EyeDropper API that lets developers pick colors from the screen without sensitive permissions. The beta addresses previous issues like spontaneous reboots and is available now for Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, with a stable release expected in mid-2026.