The first beta version of Android 17 has been released with major improvements in camera and security, what's special?

 The first beta version of Android 17 has been released with major improvements in camera and security, what's special?

Google has released the first public test version of Android 17, 'Beta 1'. This new version, which came after a two-day delay, can be used on Pixel 6 and subsequent new Pixel devices.

This time, Google has adopted a new model of continuous updates through the Android Canary channel instead of the traditional developer preview. This will allow testers to get new features faster and update the software easily without manual flashing.

One of the most important changes in Android 17 is the mandatory compatibility of apps on devices with large screens (tablets and foldable phones). Now developers will have to make their apps mandatory to run on tablets and foldable devices. Earlier, in Android 16, developers had the option to opt out of this, which has now been removed.

This version includes professional-level camera and media tools. In particular, versatile video coding (VVC/H.266) support has been added, which is said to help save high-quality video even with low storage capacity. In addition, switching between different camera sensors has been made easier and smoother than before.

In terms of visual changes, the Pixel Launcher search bar has been redesigned and made transparent, and Google's AI Gemini has been integrated into it. The Control Center's brightness icon has been updated, and the Settings menu has been made more compact and attractive than before.

To improve system performance, 'Generational Garbage Collection' technology has been used, which reduces the load on the CPU and saves battery and memory. For security, hybrid cryptography has been used, and insecure network traffic has been tightened.

This update is available on the Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as the Pixel Fold and tablet. Users registered in the Android Beta Program will receive it via an over-the-air update. According to Google, this software will achieve 'platform stability' by March 2026. Similarly, its final version is expected to be released in June.