Key Highlights
  • Pixel Launcher search bar redesigned with transparency
  • Improved camera lens switching without viewfinder freeze
  • Stricter app orientation rules for developers
  • Background memory tweaks reduce CPU load

Google has released Android 17 Beta 1 after a slight delay. Pixel smartphone users can check the new update on their device by going to Settings > System > Software updates > System update > Check for update. In some cases, even if the screen shows “up to date,” the update is becoming available after checking again. On devices like the Pixel 6 Pro, the size of this update is reported to be around 755MB.

Direct beta release without Developer Preview

This time Google did not release a separate Developer Preview of Android 17. The company is now providing new features and APIs through a continuous Canary channel, which reach there directly after internal testing. Because of this, features do not have to wait for the quarterly cycle and they reach the beta level sooner.

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Stricter rules on app orientation

In Android 17, new rules are being implemented for app developers regarding screen orientation. Now regular apps will not be allowed to remain limited only to portrait mode. Earlier many apps did not provide landscape support, due to which black borders appeared on the sides of the screen. Under the new rules, improving multitasking and window support will be mandatory. However, games have been exempted from this restriction.

Improvements in camera experience

In the beta version, the experience of switching lenses while using the camera app has also been improved. Now while switching between lenses such as ultrawide to telephoto, a slight freeze or jerk in the viewfinder should not be felt.

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Changes in memory management

Google has also made changes in background memory handling. The company claims that the load on the CPU has been reduced by around 10%. Because of this, battery consumption may decrease especially during heavy multitasking.

New look for the search bar in Pixel Launcher

In Android 17 Beta 1, the most visible change is seen in the search bar of Pixel Launcher. The new search bar is slightly wider than before and has light transparency. The colored ring present in the old design has been removed.

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Now shortcuts for AI Mode, voice search, and Google Lens are directly visible in the search bar. Earlier a separate container was given for AI Mode, which has been removed this time. In recent updates, where Google was adding separate containers, in this change one container has been reduced.

Along with this, the color of the “G” logo has also changed. Earlier it showed the traditional red, yellow, green and blue colors. Now it appears in a solid shade or light gradient according to the wallpaper theme, so that the shortcut icons appear clearer on the background.

Option to exit the beta

Users who want to leave the beta program can opt out by going to the Android Beta Program website. However, it is being advised not to install Android 17 Beta 1 before doing so. After opting out, it will be necessary to wait for the stable version of Android 16 QPR3, and installing that will be better so that there is no need to reset the device.

According to Google, the next beta update may be released next month. At the same time, the stable version of Android 17, which is internally named “Cinnamon Bun,” is expected to arrive in June. Android 17 Beta 1 is currently available for developers and enthusiast users.