Android 17 Beta 2 Enhances Multitasking, Privacy and Cross-Device Functionality

Google has released Android 17 Beta 2 to developers, introducing significant improvements to multitasking, cross-device app handoff, and user privacy. The update, build number CP21.260206.011, is approximately 510MB in size and includes fixes for issues reported in the first beta, such as spontaneous reboots and UI freezes.

Expanded App Bubbles for Enhanced Multitasking

Android 17 Beta 2 expands the functionality of app bubbles, allowing users to transform any app icon into a floating bubble by long-pressing it in the launcher. This feature builds upon the existing conversation bubble functionality, extending it system-wide. For larger screen devices, like tablets and foldables, a dedicated bubble bar has been added to the taskbar, simplifying the organization and management of multiple floating apps.

Seamless Cross-Device App Handoff

A new Cross-device app Handoff feature enables users to seamlessly continue activities across nearby Android devices. For example, a user can start taking notes on their phone and continue editing the same note on their tablet. Android displays Handoff suggestions in the launcher on nearby devices when the feature is available. Google states that this feature supports both native app-to-app transitions and app-to-web fallback for devices lacking the native app.

Strengthened Privacy Controls

Android 17 Beta 2 incorporates several privacy-focused enhancements, including:

• A system-level contact picker that provides temporary, read-only access to specific contact fields, rather than granting access to the entire address book.
• Expanded protection for SMS one-time passwords (OTPs).
• Additional safeguards for local network access.
• A new EyeDropper API, allowing developers to select colors from the display without requiring full screen capture permissions.

These changes aim to minimize unnecessary data access while maintaining app functionality.

Availability and Release Timeline

Android 17 Beta 2 is currently available over-the-air to supported Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program. Users who haven’t received the update can manually sideload the OTA package or flash the factory image. The stable release of Android 17 is anticipated in mid-2026.