Android 17 and Wear OS 7: Key Updates in Multitasking and Smartwatch Features

Android 17 and Wear OS 7: Key Updates on Multitasking and Smartwatch Features

The tech world is buzzing over Google’s latest updates, focusing on Android 17, Wear OS 7, and the Xreal Aura XR glasses. Each release aims to improve user experience and functionality. Let’s break down these updates and see what they mean for users and the broader Android ecosystem.

Android 17 introduces multitasking features

Expected to roll out for Pixel phones in June 2026, Android 17 brings a major multitasking overhaul with its new "Bubbles" feature. This lets users manage multiple apps through floating windows, a feature that echoes the functionality of picture-in-picture but extends it to any app. It’s especially useful on foldable devices, maximizing the available screen space.

The "Bubbles" feature addresses a growing demand for more effective multitasking solutions on mobile devices. Users can now keep a video call open while browsing the web or responding to messages, without needing to switch back and forth between apps. This is particularly beneficial for professionals who rely on their phones for multitasking on the go, allowing for a more seamless workflow.

Early reports suggest that Android 17 will integrate AI capabilities, particularly through the Gemini model, designed to create content and automate tasks. The AI will assist in predictive text, smart scheduling, and even suggest actions based on user behavior. This combination of multitasking and AI positions Android 17 to compete more effectively with rivals like Apple, which has long been lauded for its seamless user experience. Still, there’s skepticism about how well these features will work across the diverse range of Android devices. The initial rollout will take until the end of 2026 to reach all manufacturers, raising questions about consistency across devices.

Compared to: Android 16

Compared to its predecessor, Android 16, the advancements in Android 17 are significant. Android 16 introduced some incremental updates, focusing on privacy settings and minor UI tweaks. However, it lacked substantial improvements in multitasking capabilities. Android 17’s "Bubbles" feature and AI integration represent a more transformative shift, addressing user demands for enhanced productivity tools.

When it comes to pricing, software updates like Android 17 are typically free for existing users. However, the cost implications are more relevant for manufacturers and developers needing to adapt their hardware and apps to support new features, which could indirectly influence device prices over time.

Wear OS 7 enhances smartwatch functionality with Live Updates

Wear OS 7 is set to launch with significant improvements, particularly the Live Updates feature. This will let users get real-time notifications for deliveries and sports scores right on their wrists. The integration of Live Updates signifies a shift towards more proactive smartwatches, which are evolving from mere accessory status to indispensable digital companions.

This update promises a battery life boost of up to 10%. With smartwatches often criticized for their limited battery life, this improvement is a welcome change. Users who rely on their smartwatches throughout the day, such as athletes tracking workouts or professionals managing schedules, will find this particularly beneficial.

The integration of new AI features, like creating custom widgets through natural language prompts, won’t arrive until later this year. Some users might be left waiting for functionality that’s not immediately available. The challenge for Google will be to ensure these updates roll out smoothly and are adopted by developers, who play a crucial role in expanding the ecosystem’s app offerings.

Compared to: Wear OS 6

Wear OS 6 laid the groundwork for some of these enhancements but didn’t deliver as extensively on battery improvements or real-time updates. The promised 10% increase in battery life with Wear OS 7 is a step forward from the status quo, addressing a critical pain point for users. Additionally, the real-time updates feature in Wear OS 7 leapfrogs the static notification system of its predecessor, offering a more dynamic interaction model.

Xreal Aura XR glasses set to redefine Android's XR landscape

The newly announced Xreal Aura XR glasses, available for preorder at $99, aim to bridge the gap between traditional glasses and full-fledged XR headsets. Priced competitively, these glasses are positioned to make augmented reality more accessible to the average consumer, a significant shift from the typically high-cost XR headsets.

With these, users can interact with augmented reality overlays while enjoying a lightweight, comfortable design. The glasses are designed with a focus on ease of use, making AR experiences more intuitive and less intrusive. They offer features like gesture control and voice commands, which could redefine how users interact with digital content.

But there are concerns about functionality. While the price is appealing, reports don’t clarify what trade-offs users might face regarding performance and capabilities. The processing power, display quality, and battery life are critical factors that will determine the glasses' effectiveness. Compatibility with existing Android applications will also be crucial. If features don’t integrate smoothly into the current ecosystem, users might be disappointed.

Compared to: Previous XR Glasses

Compared to previous XR glasses, such as the Nreal Light priced around $499, the Xreal Aura offers a more budget-friendly option without drastically compromising on features. However, the lower price point may suggest reduced processing power or display capabilities, which could impact the overall user experience. The success of these glasses will largely depend on their ability to deliver a smooth, integrated experience without the premium price tag.

New 'Continue On' feature mirrors Apple's Handoff functionality

Android 17 also introduces the "Continue On" feature. This lets users transition tasks between their smartphone and a compatible tablet. It’s similar to Apple’s Handoff feature and aims to enhance the interconnectedness of devices, a key area where Android has traditionally lagged behind.

The "Continue On" feature is particularly useful for users who operate within the Android ecosystem, allowing for a more cohesive experience across devices. Students can start writing a paper on their phone and continue it on their tablet without losing any progress. However, for now, this feature only supports transitions from smartphones to tablets. When will it allow bidirectional functionality? We don’t know yet.

Compared to: Apple's Handoff

Apple's Handoff has been a part of the iOS ecosystem since 2014, allowing seamless transitions across Apple devices. While Android's "Continue On" feature is a welcome addition, it currently lacks the bidirectional functionality of Handoff, limiting its flexibility. The future expansion of this feature could determine its competitiveness against Apple’s well-established system.

What Android 17 means for the future of foldable devices

The updates from Android 17 and Wear OS 7 mark a pivotal moment for foldable devices. As Google boosts multitasking and integrates AI features, expectations for foldable smartphones are rising. With the new bubble bar and gamepad controls tailored for foldable layouts, Android 17 is positioning itself to maximize this form factor.

Foldable devices offer unique advantages, such as larger screens in compact forms, and Android 17 is set to leverage these benefits fully. Features like the "Bubbles" multitasking tool and AI-driven personalization can significantly enhance user experience on foldable devices, making them more versatile and appealing to a broader audience.

But the device market can be unpredictable. These features need solid hardware performance to succeed. Manufacturers must ensure their devices support the extensive functionalities promised by Android 17. If they don’t, user adoption of foldable devices could stall.

Real-world Scenario: Daily Use of Android 17 on a Foldable Device

Imagine commuting to work with a foldable device. You start your day by checking emails using the "Bubbles" feature, keeping your calendar and task manager open simultaneously. As you switch from the train to your car, your phone automatically suggests playing your morning podcast based on your routine. Once at the office, you continue working on a document started on your phone, seamlessly transferring it to a larger screen tablet with "Continue On". This interconnected device experience is what Android 17 aims to deliver.

What's still unclear:

Despite the excitement, several questions linger. How will AI tool integration evolve? Will developers embrace the new capabilities in Wear OS 7? Most importantly, how will users react to the Xreal Aura glasses in everyday use? These unanswered questions could significantly shape the trajectory of Android's ecosystem in the months ahead.

The success of these updates will largely depend on how effectively Google can manage the rollout and address these uncertainties. The developer community's response, particularly in adopting new APIs and creating compelling applications for the enhanced Wear OS and XR glasses, will be crucial.

Why this matters:

Google's updates signal a shift in the tech landscape, emphasizing multitasking, AI integration, and cross-device functionality. As users increasingly rely on interconnected devices, the quality of these updates will be key in shaping the future of Android and its competition with Apple and other tech giants. Keeping an eye on these developments will help gauge how the market adapts to changing user needs and technological progress.

For consumers, these advancements promise a more integrated, intuitive digital experience. For manufacturers and developers, they present both opportunities and challenges in aligning with Google’s vision for the future of its ecosystem. Anyone who's shipped hardware knows the importance of timing, execution, and user feedback in determining the success of such ambitious updates. The coming months will be telling as these new technologies are put to the test in the real world.

Sources cross-referenced

This story was synthesised from reporting by 4 outlets:

1. The Verge 2. The Verge 3. The Verge 4. TechCrunch