Google has largely shifted away from big annual operating system updates in favor of more frequent Pixel Drops. Still, the pre-I/O edition of The Android Show gives the company a chance to give you a peek at what’s coming via Android 17.
The most exciting update for many will be the introduction of 3D emoji. Google is calling this collection Noto 3D. Pixel phones will be the first to gain access to these emoji later this year. Google says they’ll be available across its products.
A new Gemini Intelligence-powered speech-to-text feature called Rambler will aim to remove filler words and clarify what it seems you’re trying to say. “You can speak naturally and it will take the important parts, then fit them all together into a concise message,” Google says. The company claims that Rambler will even account for switching between languages mid-sentence. The tool won’t save or store your speech, which is only used for transcription.
A feature called Pause Point is designed to help you use your phone more intentionally, given how easy it is to dismiss things like app timers. If you enable Pause Point and a time-sucking app, there will be a 10-second delay during which you’ll be prompted to consider just why you’re trying to use it. Pause Point might suggest a breathing exercise, setting a timer, some photos for you to look at or a different app that might ultimately be more edifying.
It won’t be super easy to turn off Pause Point entirely either. You’ll need to restart your phone to do so, which could be enough of a sticking point for many people to consider whether that’s a good idea. Anything that can help more people reduce the time they spend doomscrolling has to be a positive step.
There are features on the way for creators too, including Screen Reactions. The idea with this is that you’ll be able to record yourself and your screen simultaneously. This could make it easier for you to react to a new song or something interesting on the web and post a video about it. Pixel devices will first get access to Screen Reactions this summer. Also in the coming months, expect to see an Adobe Premiere app hit Android. This will feature exclusive templates and effects, Google says, along with the option to post YouTube Shorts without having to switch apps.
Elsewhere, Google says it teamed up with Apple to make the process of switching from iOS to Android easier by wirelessly transferring data including passwords, photos, messages, apps, contacts and even your eSIM. Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices will be the first to support this option, starting later this year.
In addition, Google is making Quick Share compatible with Apple’s AirDrop across Android handsets from partners including Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi and Honor later this year. Plus, starting today, you’ll be able to generate a QR code on any Android phone via quick share, and use this to share information to iOS devices via the cloud. It’s a workaround, but it could do the trick for now. On top of that, Quick Share will soon be available in more apps, including Whatsapp.
