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Google has released Android 17 Beta 2, continuing its focus on privacy, security, and performance. This update introduces new system APIs, cross-device capabilities, enhanced connectivity, and developer tools for testing apps ahead of the stable release.
Android 17 Beta 2 introduces Bubbles, a floating window interface for phones, tablets, and foldable devices. Users can create a bubble by long-pressing an app icon.
On larger screens, a bubble bar in the taskbar allows organizing, moving, and anchoring bubbles. Developers should follow multi-window guidelines to ensure apps function correctly in this mode.

Other UI updates include:


Android 17 adds a Cross-Device Handoff API, allowing applications to resume their state on nearby devices, including tablets. Using CompanionDeviceManager, the system displays handoff suggestions and supports both app-to-app and app-to-web transitions.
Additional connectivity and data enhancements include:
Android 17 introduces ACCESS_LOCAL_NETWORK, a runtime permission that limits unauthorized local network access. Apps can use system-mediated device pickers to avoid prompting users or request permission explicitly to maintain LAN communication. Users who have granted other NEARBY_DEVICES permissions are not prompted again.
Other updates include:
Android 17 expands OTP protections for SMS messages. For apps not intended as recipients, OTP messages are delayed for three hours. This applies to:
Exemptions include the default SMS app, assistant apps, and connected device companion apps. Developers should use SMS Retriever or SMS User Consent APIs to maintain OTP functionality.
Pixel users can enroll in the Android Beta program for OTA updates. Non-Pixel devices can use 64-bit emulator images in Android Studio. Google is targeting Platform Stability in March, after which final SDK and NDK APIs will be delivered. Apps can then target SDK 37 and publish updates to Google Play.

Key points for developers:

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