Android 17 is now taking shape in the form of the first beta. Google finally released the beta 1 version of the new software iteration with interesting and user-friendly changes. The company has also shared the timeline of the latest OS build.
The Android 17 First Beta update was about to launch on February 11. It was delayed, though, for some reasons. Now, the testing version is live for Pixel devices.
Codenamed “Cinnamon Bun” (Google continued the legacy of naming its Android versions after desserts), Android 17 will likely hit the stability platform in March 2026, while getting a final release by the end of this year.
For now, it will continue to go through various beta builds, improving the device’s system and adding new features to it. Showing the release timeline, Google said:
“We’re going to be moving quickly from this Beta to our Platform Stability milestone, targeted for March. At this milestone, we’ll deliver the final SDK and NDK APIs and largely final app-facing behaviors. From that time, you’ll have several months before the final release to complete your testing.”
Speaking of the features, Android 17 beta brings new camera changes that fix video glitches and other shooting mode problems. It adds pro-grade tools to media and camera apps, with features like seamless transitions and standardized loudness.
It introduces a redesigned search bar to the Pixel launcher. Instead of the white color backing, the bar appears slightly transparent with AI and other modes.
The company has also updated the brightness icon in the Control Center. It has darkened the location indicator icon. Besides, the Gemini screen shrink animation from the corner swipe is now available as standard.
Google has further removed some vertical height from menu items for a more compact and cleaner look in the Settings application. Users may also observe a new volume overflow icon with a proper settings label.
Android 17 Beta is rolling out to Pixel devices ranging from the 6th gen to the latest models via OTA. One can sign up to beta program through the Android Beta website.
(Image Credits: Android Developers/X)
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