Uploading content to social networks from an Android mobile has been, for years, a real punishment. Beyond specific agreements with Samsung or Google —which did introduce relevant improvements, such as HDR support on some platforms— the difference between iOS and Android when it came to sharing content on networks was simply abysmal.
The problem went far beyond the casual user who uploads a photo to Instagram and wonders why it looks so bad. It was a structural limitation that pushed companies and content creators to buy an iPhone or the latest high-end Galaxy if they wanted to develop any network strategy with a minimum of seriousness. It is something that will finally change with Android 17. Or so Google says.
The change. Mishaal Rahman himself, one of Google’s workers, admitted after Google’s presentation that taking a good photo is 50% of the job. The rest is provided by the operating system.
“Recent benchmark testing using the Universal Video Quality (UVQ) model confirms that video captured and uploaded to Instagram from flagship Android devices scores the same or better than the leading competitor.” Google.
It thus announced that Google has been working with Meta to completely optimize upload flows to social networks like Instagram. Starting with Android 17, they promise a notable improvement. Specifically, “impressively sharp” and much faster climbs.
Beyond. In addition to solving the structural problem related to uploads, more than interesting functions are added from Android.
- Ultra HDR capture and playback
- Integrated video stabilization
- Night Sight integration in Google Pixel
- New interface for tablets
Additionally, Android will have direct integration with Editsthe Instagram app for editing videos. With a single touch, using AI, we can improve the quality of low-resolution photos and videos.
The small print. Without giving too many details about the implementation of the measure, Mishaal lets it be known that these news will reach “lThe most advanced Android devices“. It remains to be seen if for practical purposes these changes are really noticeable and if they end up reaching all devices or are restricted to the high ranges.
It is also worth keeping in mind that video recording continues to be the Achilles’ heel on many Android phones. Even if Instagram and Google optimize the flows, if we do not have a quality native recording, the upload will be limited.
Why is it important. For most users, the quality of what they upload to networks may be secondary. For Google, it is not at all. In markets like the United States, where the iPhone dominates with an iron fist, one of the most difficult fronts to attack is precisely that: Apple’s product works exceptionally well on social networks, and Android has not been able to say the same for years.
Finally without weak points? With Android 17, it seems that Google has read the list of weak points that the system had to eliminate them one by one. We are facing the safest version of its historywith a renewed and 100% own design, without being “inspired” by Apple’s Liquid Glass, as expected.
Gemini has a real and meaningful integration as AI, there is compatibility with AirDrop for everyone, a universal clipboard (something that was missed if we came from iOS), important new features in Android Auto… In short, a version that can return Android to the top.
In Xataka | Android 17 wants to be more than Gemini Intelligence: its other news also has a lot to say
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