Google has introduced Android 17 Beta 2 to developers, adding a new multitasking experience, cross-device app handoff, and several privacy upgrades.
The update carries build number CP21.260206.011 and is roughly 510MB in size. Alongside bug fixes for spontaneous reboots and UI freezes reported in the first beta, it introduces new system-level features focused on multitasking and security.
Android 17 Beta 2 Now Lets You Turn Any App Into a Floating Bubble
One of the most visible additions in Android 17 Beta 2 is expanded support for app bubbles. Users can now long-press any app icon in the launcher to turn it into a floating bubble. This builds on the existing conversation bubble feature but extends it to work system-wide.
On large-screen devices like tablets and foldables, Google has added a dedicated bubble bar within the taskbar. This makes it easier to organize, move, and manage multiple floating apps at once.
The change effectively adds another multitasking layer to Android, especially on devices with larger displays.
Users Can Now Start An Activity On One Device And Continue On Another
Android 17 Beta 2 also introduces a new Cross-device app Handoff feature.
Handoff lets users start an activity on one Android device and continue it on another nearby device. For example, you can begin a note on your phone and pick it up on your tablet at the exact same point.
When available, Android shows a Handoff suggestion in the launcher on nearby devices. According to Google, the feature supports both native app-to-app transitions and app-to-web fallback if the receiving device doesn’t have the native app installed.
The feature is similar to handoff options in other ecosystems, but this is Google’s system-level implementation across Android devices.
Stronger Privacy Controls on Your Android Phone
Android 17 Beta 2 also brings several privacy-focused improvements:
- A new system-level contact picker that grants temporary, read-only access to specific contact fields instead of the full address book
- Expanded SMS one-time password (OTP) protection
- Additional safeguards around local network access
- A new EyeDropper API that lets developers pick colors from the display without requesting full screen capture permissions
These changes are designed to limit unnecessary data access while keeping apps functional.
What Google Tries To Accomplish With Beta 2?
For users, Google tried to make Android devices feel more flexible and connected in daily use, especially if you switch between a phone and tablet or use a foldable.
At the same time, the added privacy controls reduce the amount of sensitive data apps can access by default.
Google is making these updates to strengthen Android’s position against competing ecosystems like IOS, improve multitasking on larger screens, and respond to expectations around data security.
New Features Now Available on Pixel devices
Android 17 Beta 2 is rolling out over the air to supported Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program.
Users who don’t see the update yet can sideload the OTA package or flash the factory image manually. The stable release of Android 17 is expected in mid-2026.
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