Pixelated

Android 17, Now With Even More Bubbles

Pixelated

Show Notes

Welcome to episode 91 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, with Abner and Damien out at MWC, Will invites Andrew Romero to join him on a whirlwind tour of two new OS upgrades from Google: Android 16 QPR3, and Android 17 Beta 2. The two discuss AI-generated wallpapers, that new Now Playing app, and Android's new bubbles — not to be confused with its own bubbles — while Andrew introduces his SPI: Sandwich Price Index.

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Timecodes

00:00 - Intro and Android 16 QPR3

03:53 - AI-generated icons

13:15 - Now Playing app and flashlight toggle

22:05 - Pixel Desktop experience, At a Glance, and Gemini Automation

34:18 - Pixel Watch Drop, briefly

36:09 - Android 17 Beta 2 and Bubbles

43:32 - Beta 2 grab bag

50:52 - Wrap-up

Hosts

Will Sattelberg

Andrew Romero

Read more

Android 16 QPR3 rolling out with March 2026 security update

March 2026 Feature Drop: Pixel 10 ‘Comfort’ view, custom AI icons, At a Glance ‘My commute,’ & more

Pixel Watch Feature Drop: Express Pay, phone reminders, and more

Pixel homescreens are getting custom icons, but Google’s keeping them locked to AI

Listen to more 9to5 Podcasts

The Sideload

9to5Mac Happy Hour

Electrek

Space Explored

Feedback?

Drop us a line at [email protected], leave a comment on the post, or reach out to our producer. And for even more Android discussion, dive into the official 9to5Google forums!

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