Google Launches Android 17 Beta with Performance and Security Upgrades

Google has officially rolled out the first public beta of Android 17 for the Pixel 10 series and Pixel 6 devices. The update brings enhanced performance, smoother animations, improved notification management, and stronger privacy and security features. Developers now transition from the old Developer Preview program to the new Android Canary channel for continuous updates.

Performance and System Improvements

Android 17 focuses on a faster and more efficient system. The update introduces:

• Lock-free android.os.MessageQueue for better efficiency
• Generational garbage collection in ART’s Concurrent Mark-Compact collector
• True immutability for static final fields, preventing reflection changes
• Limits on custom notification view sizes to reduce RAM usage
• ProfilingManager triggers to help troubleshoot performance issues.

These improvements make Android 17 more responsive and stable across devices.

Media and Camera Upgrades

Android 17 enhances camera and media features with professional-grade tools:

• updateOutputConfigurations() in CameraCaptureSession allows seamless switching between camera modes
• LOGICAL_MULTI_CAMERA_ADDITIONAL_RESULTS provides metadata from all active cameras in logical setups
• Video and audio experiences are smoother, with consistent volume and more efficient resource usage

These changes make camera and media apps more reliable and flexible.

Versatile Video Coding (VVC) Support

Android 17 introduces support for VVC (Versatile Video Coding):

• New MIME type video/vvc in MediaFormat
• Updated profiles in MediaCodecInfo for compatible hardware
• setVideoEncodingQuality() in MediaRecorder allows easy control over video quality
• Audio API improvements restrict unauthorized calls and lifecycle issues

These updates improve media efficiency, video quality, and overall performance.

Enhanced Privacy and Security

Android 17 adds robust privacy and security updates:

• Apps targeting Android 17 should avoid android:usesCleartextTraffic
• Automatic blocking of insecure network communication without proper configuration
• Public Service Provider Interface (SPI) for HPKE hybrid cryptography enables safe communication using public key and symmetric encryption.

These features ensure users’ data and communication remain protected.

Connectivity and Telecom Upgrades

Android 17 improves connectivity and device management:

• Better management of VoIP call history and support for caller/participant avatars
• Wi-Fi Ranging now includes proximity detection and safe peer-to-peer discovery
• CompanionDeviceManager supports medical and fitness devices with improved permissions
• Single-dialog interface for linking devices and granting app permissions

These updates make Android 17 more secure, user-friendly, and efficient for developers and users alike.

Pixel Appy Insight

At Pixel Appy, we highlight that Android 17 focuses on speed, security, and smarter device interactions. Pixel users can benefit from smoother animations, stronger media capabilities, and advanced privacy tools. Developers get a more predictable update cycle through the Android Canary program, making it easier to optimize apps for the new platform.

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