Android 17 Beta 2 Launched: Google Releases Its Latest Experimental OS With Enhanced Multitasking, Improved Privacy Features and More
Google has launched Android 17 Beta 2, introducing a new windowing mode for multitasking and a Handoff API for cross-device task resumption. The update enhances privacy with restricted contact sharing and mandatory local network permissions. Platform stability is expected in March, ahead of a major version release in the second quarter.
Mumbai, February 27: Google has officially deployed Android 17 Beta 2, marking a significant milestone in the development of its upcoming mobile operating system. This latest update introduces a refined two-SDK release strategy, with the primary version scheduled for a formal launch in the second quarter of 2025.
The update focuses on enhancing cross-device functionality, strengthening user privacy, and introducing sophisticated windowing modes for larger screens. Beta 2 is currently available for supported Pixel devices and through Android Studio emulators, allowing developers to test new system APIs and hardware integrations ahead of the stable release. Xiaomi HyperOS 4.0 Android 17 Update: Development Underway for New Software Architecture; Check List of Eligible Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Devices.
Android 17 Beta 2 Advanced Multitasking and User Interface Refinements
A key highlight of Android 17 Beta 2 announced on the official website is the evolution of the "Bubbles" feature, which now serves as a comprehensive windowing mode. Users can transform applications into floating windows by long-pressing app icons on smartphones, tablets, and foldable devices. To support this, large-screen devices have been equipped with a dedicated bubble bar within the taskbar for easier organisation.
In addition to visual changes, Google has introduced the getInitialRestingBounds API. This tool improves the Interactive Chooser by detecting the final position of the share sheet after animations conclude, enabling applications to adjust their layouts dynamically for a smoother user experience.
Android 17 Beta 2 Privacy Enhancements and Connectivity Standards
The update introduces several privacy-centric features, including a system-level EyeDropper API that allows apps to sample screen pixels without requiring full screen-capture permissions. Furthermore, a new Contacts Picker provides temporary access only to specific fields selected by the user, reducing the need for broad "READ_CONTACTS" permissions across personal and work profiles.
For connectivity, Android 17 incorporates Ultra-Wideband DL-TDOA support, facilitating privacy-focused indoor navigation compliant with FiRa 4.0 standards. The system also includes Wi-Fi Alliance Proximity Detection for improved ranging accuracy and allows streaming applications to access carrier-allocated bandwidth limits to optimise playback quality.
Android 17 Beta 2 Security Protocols and Developer Timeline
Google has tightened security by making "ACCESS_LOCAL_NETWORK" a mandatory runtime permission for applications targeting the new OS. Additionally, SMS One-Time Password (OTP) protection has been extended; non-recipient apps will now face a three-hour delay before accessing such messages, though default SMS applications and assistants remain exempt. Samsung One UI 9 Release Date: Upcoming Android 17-Based OS Testing Leaked, Includes New 'Ask AI' Feature, Says Report.
The Android 17 roadmap indicates that "Platform Stability" is expected to be reached in March. This phase will finalise SDK and NDK APIs, allowing developers to target API level 37 and begin publishing test versions of their applications. The update also includes core library refreshes to ICU 78, incorporating Unicode 17 characters and new emoji blocks.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 27, 2026 02:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).