source: techcrunch ai: android 17 launches with new multitasking tools as google expands gemini features
level: business
google released android 17 and wear os 7, starting with pixel devices. the update includes a pixel drop that adds support for ai models like lyria 3 for music creation from text or images, gemini omni for conversational video editing, and audiolm for speech-to-speech translation on the pixel 10a. quick share will also work with apple's airdrop on older pixel 8a and 9a devices.
android 17 introduces a bubble bar to organize and quickly access recent apps as floating bubbles, aiming to speed up multitasking. users can now record selfie camera and screen simultaneously for reaction videos. other additions include personalized outgoing audio messages, expanded take a message feature, and improved parental controls with pin-based screen time limits without a google account. a foldable gaming mode offers a split-screen layout with a dynamic game pad.
wear os 7 brings live phone app updates to pixel watch, better integration with upcoming ai glasses and headphones, and later this summer, gemini intelligence features like personalized widgets from descriptions and personal intelligence connecting google apps and chat history. battery life improvements of up to 10% and multistep automation are also included. the release shows google using android to push its latest ai directly to users.
why it matters: these updates show how ai is becoming a core part of mobile operating systems, directly affecting how developers build apps and how users interact with devices daily.
source: techcrunch ai: android 17 launches with new multitasking tools as google expands gemini features