Google has rolled out the first public beta of Android 17, offering developers and early users a preview of its next major mobile operating system update. The company said the release focuses on performance improvements, stronger privacy protections and new developer tools. It also announced a major change in its release process by replacing the traditional Developer Preview with a continuous Canary channel for developers.
Android 17 Beta 1 brings several under the hood upgrades aimed at improving overall performance and smoother multitasking. Google said the update enhances background task management and boosts power efficiency. System level changes help apps run more efficiently, especially during multitasking. The beta also introduces refined permission management, giving users better visibility into how apps access sensitive data such as location, microphone and camera. For media and camera apps, new professional grade tools offer seamless transitions and standardised loudness.
The update adds support for the Versatile Video Coding VVC standard. The audio framework now enforces restrictions on background audio interactions, including playback, audio focus requests and volume change APIs. According to Google, this ensures such changes are initiated intentionally by the user. On the interface side, Android 17 includes smoother system animations and refinements to notifications and quick settings. Support for large screen devices has been improved by removing opt out options for orientation and resizability restrictions, allowing better scaling for foldables and tablets. The update also restricts the size of custom notification views to reduce memory usage, closing a loophole that previously allowed apps to bypass limits using URIs. This change applies to apps targeting API 37 and above.
Android 17 Beta 1 is available for supported Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Programme, from the latest Pixel 10 series to Pixel 6 models. To install, users must sign in on the Android Beta Programme website, select their eligible device, opt in and then check for updates under Settings, System and Software Update. Once installed, future beta updates will be delivered over the air. Google advises that beta software may contain bugs and is best suited for developers or advanced users.
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