Android 17 Beta 1 has started rolling out for compatible Pixel phones (the Pixel 6 and newer). This is the first beta, so don’t expect big, flashy changes just yet. Instead, most improvements are behind the scenes or subtle but useful in everyday use. Today, we’ll tell you what’s new in Android 17 Beta 1.
Redesigned Google Search Widget
The Google search bar on your home screen looks slightly cleaner and updated.
You can customize the widget now. Just tap and hold the widget, then tap Widget settings. It now uses the Google app’s search widget style instead of the old Pixel Launcher version.
However, there’s still no option to completely remove it, unlike the At a Glance widget, which can now be removed.
Remove At a Glance
Finally, you can remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen. This was introduced earlier with Android 16 QPR3 Beta, but not everyone got it; now it’s reaching more users.
After removing it, you can add any other widget you want in its place.
VoIP Call History in the Dialer
If you make calls through WhatsApp, Telegram, or other VoIP apps, they’ll now show up in the Google Dialer app. This helps you see your call history in one place.
New Volume Overflow Icon
The small icon on the floating volume slider has changed. Instead of three dots, there’s now a generic settings-style overflow icon. When the media is playing, the volume panel still changes into a waveform design.
More Compact Settings Menus
Google has slightly tightened the spacing in Settings. Menu items look more compact and cleaner. This helps fit more options on the screen without scrolling as much.
Updated Brightness Icon
The brightness slider icon has been redesigned and now matches your system theme better. It looks more modern and consistent with Android 17 visuals.
Improved Gesture Navigation
You can now swipe from the corner of the screen to launch the Google Assistant with an animation. Previously, this gesture worked but didn’t show the same animation as holding the power button; now it does.
Better Adaptive Apps (For Large Screens, Tablets & Foldables)
Android 17 pushes developers to make apps work well on tablets and foldables. Now apps must support landscape mode and proper resizing on big screens, so you won’t see those awkward black bars on large displays anymore.
Improved Camera Experience
Switching between camera modes (like photo to video) is smoother and faster with fewer glitches. Apps can also better read metadata from all camera sensors, not just the main one, which is useful for advanced camera apps.
New Video & Media Tech
Android 17 adds support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266), a modern video format that helps keep video quality high while saving space. Constant Quality video mode lets apps record video at consistent levels of quality.
Wrapping Up
Android 17 Beta 1 isn’t a huge visual overhaul. Most changes are small tweaks, performance upgrades, better app behaviour, and improved large-screen support.
If you use a Pixel as your primary phone, trying the beta gives you a sneak peek at what’s coming. However, keep in mind that beta versions can have bugs, so I wouldn’t suggest installing it on your main device right now.
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