Google on Tuesday was released the final version of the Android 17 operating system, as well as the corresponding one for smartwatches, Put on OS 7. The latest version, which comes first to its own Pixel devices, also comes with a Pixel Dropbringing new features that include support for the latest AI models, such as the Lyria 3 music generation model, the multimodal Gemini Omni, and speech-to-translation tools for the Pixel 10a with AudioLM.
The latest feature release highlights Google’s strategy of using Android and Pixel devices to showcase its latest AI technology. While rival Apple is focusing on AI coverage with the public release of AI upgrades to Siri and iOS 27 in September, Google’s Android 17 is focused on newer AI models, Gemini’s role in creating, communicating and other device experiences.
In today’s Pixel DropAndroid Quick Share’s file sharing feature will become compatible with Apple’s AirDrop on older Pixel 8a and 9a devices. Additionally, Gemini Omni will now let you edit videos in a chat, while Lyria 3 lets users create music tracks with text messages and/or images in the Gemini app. Pixel 10a devices will also have better speech-to-speech translation tools with AudioLM.
Other phone features arrive, such as the ability to record a personalized outgoing audio message for callers when you can’t answer. In addition, the “Get a Message” feature will reach more global markets.
Pixel Drop brings emergency detection features to the Google Pixel Watch as well, meaning that if the watch detects a car accident, fall or lack of pulse, it will automatically contact emergency services and selected emergency contacts.
Beyond AI, Android 17’s biggest update lets users take advantage of features like the “bubble bar,” which is a new UI element that lets you organize, move, and then quickly access recent apps that appear as bubbles at the bottom of your screen. The feature is designed to speed up app interactions and help with multi-app workflows.
Social media users may like Android 17’s new feature that lets them record themselves with the selfie camera and the phone’s screen at the same time for on-screen reaction videos that can be shared on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and more.
Parental control and security features are also improved in this latest version, adding a “Mark as Lost” feature to Find Hub, Live Threat Detection and other threat defenses, alongside screen time limits and content filtering tools that can now be set with a PIN without a Google Account sign-in.
A new folding game mode offers a 50/50 layout with a dynamic game pad.
Meanwhile, watch owners can now get live updates from phone apps mirrored on the Pixel Watch. Smart watches will also work better with Google’s upcoming AI glasses and other hardware, such as headphones.
This summer, Wear OS will introduce more Gemini Intelligence features, such as tools to create personalized widgets just by describing them, and will be able to offer “Personal Intelligence” by connecting your Google apps and chat history with Gemini.
Improvements in battery life — up to 10%, Google claims — as well as multistep automation will also come to the new Wear OS.
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