Android 17 beta 1 released: key features, changes & how to install

Android 17 beta 1 drops with new pixel launcher search bar and more

After a two-day delay, Google has officially releasedandroid 17 Beta 1 for Pixel devices. This new build comes with some notable changes, including a refreshed Pixel Launcher search bar and improved performance.

New pixel launcher search bar design

One of the most noticeable updates is the revamped search bar in the Pixel Launcher. The new design is slightly wider, more transparent, and ditches the ring around the search pill. It now incorporates shortcuts for AI Mode, voice search, and Google Lens, with the color theme matching your wallpaper.

Better performance and memory management

android 17 Beta 1 also enhances performance by reducing the load on the CPU by up to 10%. This could translate to improved battery life when multitasking heavily.

Optimized app orientation and lens switching

Developers will no longer be able to opt out of certain orientation restrictions. This means apps will be forced to support the device's natural orientation, eliminating the need for black bars. Additionally, switching between camera lenses (like ultrawide to telephoto) should now happen seamlessly without any freezes or