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Android 17 launches with new multitasking tools as Google expands Gemini features
Google released the final version of Android 17 and Wear OS 7 on Tuesday, arriving first on Pixel devices alongside a Pixel Drop. The update emphasizes AI features, including the music-generation model Lyria 3, the multimodal Gemini Omni, and speech-to-translation tools for Pixel 10a with AudioLM. This underscores Google’s strategy to showcase its AI technology, contrasting with Apple’s upcoming AI upgrades to Siri and iOS 27. Key features include Android Quick Share now compatible with Apple’s AirDrop on older Pixel 8a and 9a devices. Gemini Omni enables conversational video editing, while Lyria 3 lets users create music from text or images in the Gemini app. Pixel 10a gains improved speech-to-speech translation via AudioLM. Other phone features include recording personalized outgoing audio messages and expanding “Take a Message” to more global markets. The Pixel Drop adds emergency detection to the Google Pixel Watch, automatically contacting emergency services and selected contacts if it detects a car crash, fall, or lack of pulse. Android 17 introduces a “bubble bar” UI for organizing and quickly accessing recent apps at the bottom of the screen, speeding up multi-app workflows. A new feature allows simultaneous selfie and screen recording for reaction videos for social media. Parental controls and security are enhanced with “Mark as Lost” in Find Hub, Live Threat Detection, screen time limits, and content-filtering tools settable with a PIN without a Google account. A foldable gaming mode offers a 50/50 layout with a dynamic game pad. Wear OS 7 brings live updates from phone apps mirrored to the Pixel Watch, better integration with upcoming AI glasses and headphones, and future Gemini Intelligence features like personalized widgets via description and “Personal Intelligence” using Google apps and chat history. Battery life improves by up to 10%, and multistep automation is added.