Google has officially released the first beta version of Android 17, the next major iteration of its mobile operating system. While the Android 17 Beta 1 update focuses on significant under-the-hood changes like performance enhancements and optimizations for large-screen devices, it also introduces several notable interface innovations that will directly impact the daily experience for Pixel phone owners. These new Android 17 Beta features are centered on granting users more control and flexibility.
These enhancements are particularly concentrated on Google’s native Pixel Launcher. At first glance, Android 17 may not seem radically different from its predecessor. However, a closer look reveals two small but highly functional changes that address long-standing user requests: the ability to customize the home screen search bar and, finally, the option to remove the persistent ‘At a Glance’ widget. These steps reflect Google’s goal of making the Android experience more personal and modular.
How Android 17 Beta Features Reshape the Pixel Interface
The most prominent changes in Android 17 Beta 1 are found in two core components of the Pixel’s home screen. Google aims to improve the user experience with key touches to both aesthetics and functionality. The first of these innovations targets the indispensable search bar. In contrast to the thicker, more colorful frame in Android 16, the new beta version reverts to a more minimalist and slim design, offering a sleeker look reminiscent of older Android versions.
However, the real game-changer is the functional upgrade beyond this aesthetic tweak. The shortcut within the search bar is now fully customizable by the user. This gives Pixel owners the freedom to choose which tool they want to access directly from their home screen. The area, which defaults to an ‘AI Mode’ shortcut, now offers much more.
By long-pressing the search bar, users can open a menu and select their preferred shortcut. The available options include:
- Gemini Live: Instant access to Google’s advanced AI assistant.
- Translate: Quickly launch Google Translate.
- Song Search: Instantly identify a song that is playing.
- Weather: Get quick access to current weather information.
- Dictionary: Look up word definitions on the fly.
This customization makes the Pixel Launcher a much more powerful tool, allowing each user to shape their home screen according to their habits and needs. It’s worth noting that the voice search and Google Lens shortcuts cannot be changed for now, but Google is expected to increase this flexibility in future beta releases.
You Can Finally Remove the ‘At a Glance’ Widget
Perhaps the most celebrated new feature in Android 17 Beta 1 is the ability to remove the ‘At a Glance’ widget from the home screen. For years, this widget has been fixed at the top of the Pixel home screen, which was a source of frustration for some users. While it provides useful information like weather, calendar events, and flight details, it was a limitation for those who wanted to fully customize their home screen layout.
Google had previously tested this feature with select users in earlier Android 16 QPR3 beta builds. Now, with Android 17 Beta 1, this option appears to be rolling out to a broader audience. Users can now long-press the ‘At a Glance’ widget or go directly into the Pixel Launcher settings to disable it completely. This is fantastic news for anyone who desires a cleaner look or prefers to use that space for different widgets.
In addition to these two major changes, the beta includes a few other minor visual touches. For example, there is now a settings icon below the volume adjustment panel for easier access to sound controls. Furthermore, the brightness icon in the Quick Settings panel has also been updated. It is important to remember that these are beta features, and Google may revert or alter them before the final release.
Ultimately, Android 17 is paving the way for a more customizable and user-controlled experience, especially for Pixel owners. The search bar customization and the option to remove the ‘At a Glance’ widget are steps that, while seemingly small, are revolutionary in terms of user freedom. Google’s responsiveness to user demand is a promising sign for the future of the Android ecosystem.
So, what are your thoughts on these new Android 17 features? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
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