for which phones it is available, main news and how to install it

Google has begun to release the first beta version of Android 17, so if you have a mobile phone manufactured by the company you can now start testing what will come to all devices after the summer. Therefore, we are going to tell you everything you need to be able to try it.

Remember that betas are test versions of a new operating system, so the first They will be full of errors and bugsin addition to the fact that they will have poor performance and will drain the mobile battery. That is why it is not recommended to use them on your main mobile phone.

Also say that we are talking about the base version of Android 17, the one that Google launches for its Pixel devices. Then, Each manufacturer will adapt the system to their mobile phones with its own customization layers and its corresponding beta bases to test everything, find errors and solve them.

You should also know that The first betas will not have tangible news in terms of new features, which will be implemented little by little in the next betas. They are basically a framework for developers to adapt their applications to the new developments in the operating system code that are to come.

What phones are compatible

The first beta of Android 17 is only compatible with mobiles created by Google based on the Pixel 6. New betas will arrive later and different manufacturers will incorporate their own devices, but initially the first to try it will be the Pixels. This is the list of compatible phones:

If your phone is one of those on this list, then you will be able to update it to install the beta of the next version of Android. Remember that If you are going to do it, it is imperative to make a backup copy of all your data, because there are many errors that can arise and you can lose all types of files.

News from the Android 17 beta

This first beta version is basically a framework with future changes to the software for developers to start adapting their applications. Initially there will be almost no changesbecause the strong news of Android 17 They will begin to arrive in the following betas. These are the initial news of the first beta:

• Widget changes At a glance: This Pixel mobile widget can be removed from the devices’ home screen, although it will remain on the lock screen. Google includes a high contrast mode.
• Future changes in load diagnosis: The new function to diagnose battery charge and cycles begins to appear, although at the moment it still does not work and cannot be used.
• Design tweaks: There are small changes in the brightness, volume and quick settings menus.
• Shutdown menu customization: Google adds new information notices.
• Changes in Material 3 Expressive: A small evolution with some polishing of the animations and some buttons. More changes are expected in upcoming betas.
• New update model (Canary): Google removes the classic program Developer Preview of pre-release versions of Android, and changes it to a continuous channel that allows you to test new features faster.
• Adaptation to large screens: Applications will no longer be able to force their orientation (such as locking in portrait) on tablets or foldable phones. Now they will always have to adapt to the space available on the screen. This is only for apps, and at the moment it does not affect video games.
• Performance and fluidity improvements: Improvements are added to memory management and background processes. With them Android 17 should be able to save battery and CPU. Additionally, apps will no longer restart by default when changing minor settings.
• Changes in Camera and Multimedia: Added new fluid transitions between photo and video modes without screen freezes. Support for the VVC video format is also added, and blocking audio playback in the background is added if the app is not active.
• Privacy and security improvements: Android 17 will better protect your data by blocking sending unencrypted network data by default. Additionally, Google introduces new advanced cryptography standards to protect communications.
• Changes in connectivity and accessories: Permissions are grouped to link external devices faster. Specific profiles are also added that facilitate the quick configuration of activity bracelets and medical devices.

How to install the first beta of Android 17

To install this first beta of Android 17, you have to enter the website google.com/android/beta. In it, go down to the section Devices eligible for the programwhere the mobile phone that you have compatible with the beta will appear. Here, press the button Participate that will appear below the device to enroll it in the beta program.

Once you have done, simply check for new system updates on your mobilethe one you have enrolled. When you do, you will see the possibility to update appear. If you don’t look for it, you should also receive the beta in a few minutes.

There is a second method to update your Google Pixel, although it is more delicate and is not as recommended. It’s about using the tool Android Flash Tool. The way it works is simple. First you connect the mobile via USB to your computer, and with it you enter flash.android.com. Inside here, click on Get Started and follow the instructions on the page.

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