Google Launches Android 17: Gemini Omni for Video, Lyria 3 for Music, and App Bubbles Arrive on Pixel

Lyria 3 is a music generation model that transforms a text description or uploaded image into a fully customizable audio track. Users can adjust the style, vocals, and tempo of the generated music .

AudioLM powers a real-time voice translation tool, enabling translated phone call conversations on supported Pixel devices, including the Pixel 10a. This is designed to break down language barriers during calls .

Beyond these media-generation tools, Google teased Gemini Intelligence, a deeper system-level AI assistant layer that is expected to bring more proactive capabilities throughout Android 17 later in the summer .

Multitasking: Floating App Bubbles

Android 17 introduces a new floating "Bubbles" system that lets users launch any app as a pop-up overlay, similar to the classic chat-heads feature. Apps can be opened over other content, then minimized into movable icon bubbles for fast recall . On Pixel Fold devices, a dedicated Bubble Bar appears on the side of the unfolded screen to keep these floating apps organized and easily accessible .

Screen Recording Gets a 'Reactions' Boost

The built-in screen recorder has been upgraded with a Screen Reactions feature (also referred to as Selfie Screen Recording). This captures the front-facing camera feed and overlays your selfie video onto the screen recording, applying a virtual green-screen effect without requiring any third-party apps .

Communication: Caller Messages and Cross-Platform Sharing

Call management receives a notable upgrade. A new "Take a Message" feature within the Call Screen function allows callers to leave a text message when a recipient declines a call. Users can also record custom voicemail greetings for a more personalized experience . Additionally, the Manual Call Screening feature, which lets users screen unknown calls in real time, is expanding to users in India .

In a significant step for cross-platform compatibility, Quick Share on older Pixel models—specifically the Pixel 8a and 9a—now works with Apple's AirDrop, simplifying file transfers between Android and iOS devices .

Security and Safety Enhancements

The update strengthens user safety with new emergency features. Pixel phones will support automatic emergency contact notifications, and the Pixel Watch receives better safety detection features as part of the Wear OS 7 launch .

Wear OS 7 itself launches alongside Android 17, bringing new Gemini-powered features, improved health tracking, and tighter connectivity between Pixel phones and watches .