Post #7875

Here is a summary of Google's announcement for the First Beta of Android 17, published on February 13, 2026: 1. A New Release Model: Android Canary Program: Google is shifting away from the traditional "Developer Preview" model. Instead, they are introducing a continuous, always-on "Canary" channel. This allows developers to get faster access to features as soon as they pass internal testing, better stability, and easier testing through Over-The-Air (OTA) updates rather than manual flashing. 2. Screen Adaptability and Large Screens (SDK 37): Orientation and Resizability: For apps targeting Android 17 (API level 37), developers can no longer opt out of orientation and resizability restrictions on large-screen devices (wider than 600dp). The system will ignore manifest attributes that try to lock orientation or aspect ratios, meaning apps must be designed to adapt to various screen sizes seamlessly. Configuration Changes: The system will no longer restart activities by default for certain configuration changes (like connecting a keyboard or changing navigation). Instead, the app will receive an update alert, unless the developer explicitly opts into a full restart. 3. Performance Enhancements: MessageQueue: A new lock-free implementation improves performance and reduces dropped frames. Garbage Collection: Introduces a generational garbage collector to reduce CPU usage and duration of garbage collection tasks. Strict static final Fields: Modifying static final fields via reflection or JNI will no longer be allowed and will cause the application to crash, allowing the system to apply aggressive performance optimizations. Notification Views: Custom notification view sizes are now restricted to reduce memory usage. 4. Camera and Media: Dynamic Camera Updates: Developers can now seamlessly switch between camera modes (like transitioning from taking photos to recording videos) without reconfiguring the entire session, eliminating visible glitches or freezes. Versatile Video Coding (VVC): Android 17 adds support for the VVC video standard for devices with hardware decoding capabilities. Constant Quality Video: A new mode allows for finer control over video recording quality beyond just setting bitrates. Background Audio Hardening: The system now restricts apps from playing audio, requesting audio focus, or changing volume while in the background to prevent unintentional disruptions. 5. Connectivity and Developer Tools: Enhanced VoIP Call History: Third-party VoIP apps can now integrate caller and participant avatars directly into the system's native dialer call log. Companion Devices: Two new profiles have been added for Medical Devices and Fitness Trackers, simplifying the permission request process and allowing apps to bundle nearby permission prompts into a single setup dialog. 6. Timeline and Testing: Google is targeting the Platform Stability milestone for March, at which point the final SDK/NDK APIs will be delivered. Developers can test the beta right now by enrolling a supported Pixel device or using the Android Emulator in Android Studio.