Google introduced the third beta version of the open mobile platform Android 17, signaling the stability of the platform and the conclusion of API changes before the upcoming release. To explore the new features of the platform, a pre-testing program has been launched. Firmware builds have been prepared for various Pixel devices. The official release of Android 17 is set for the second quarter of 2026.
Key changes in Android 17 Beta 3 include:
- The Dynamic Code Loading (DCL) protection mechanism now extends to native libraries loaded through the System.load() method, in addition to files in DEX and JAR formats. DCL helps prevent the insertion of malicious code into dynamically loaded executable files by setting read-only access rights for such files.
- The Certificate Transparency mechanism is now enabled by default, maintaining a public log of all issued and revoked certificates.
- The PhotoPickerUiCustomizationParams API has been introduced to customize the photo selection interface to match the style of the calling application, allowing changes like adjusting the aspect ratio of photo thumbnails.
- Support for the RAW14 image format used in professional digital cameras has been added, enabling storage of 15 bits per color channel.
- Equipment manufacturers now have an API to create camera extensions for specific capabilities in applications, such as the Super Resolution mechanism, noise reduction modes, and AI quality optimizers.
- An API has been added to retrieve information about the type of camera being used.
- Support for connected hearing aids via the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface has been added, with devices categorized under the new TYPE_BLE_HEARING_AID category for separation from headphones and control of system sounds playback.
- An HE-AAC (High-Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding) software audio encoder has been included, supporting both low and high bitrates.
/Reports, release notes, official announcements.