Pixelated 091: Android 17, now with even more bubbles

Published: (March 6, 2026 at 04:30 PM EST)
2 min read
Source: 9to5Google

Source: 9to5Google

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, the 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

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Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com, leave a comment on the post, or reach out to our producer. For even more Android discussion, dive into the official 9to5Google forums.

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