Android 17 includes better iOS file sharing and a forced break for addictive apps
Key takeaways
- Alex Wong/Getty Images Google mission to add an extra layer of polish to its mobile OS continues with Android 17.
- Google surprised us all last year when it added support for Apple's AirDrop in Android's Quick Share feature on Pixel phones, and we've heard official word that it's expanding that feature to more devices soon.
- And speaking of iOS, Google also says it's worked together with Apple to make it easier for people to switch from iOS to Android devices.
Alex Wong/Getty Images Google mission to add an extra layer of polish to its mobile OS continues with Android 17. With last year's update, the company focused on upgrading its notification experience and adding a big-screen desktop mode. Android 17, not surprisingly, will lean into more integration with Google's Gemini (including the nifty ability to create app automations). But if you're not into AI, there are still a few notable additions, especially when it comes to file sharing with i OS, 3D emojis and reigning in addictive apps.
Google surprised us all last year when it added support for Apple's AirDrop in Android's Quick Share feature on Pixel phones, and we've heard official word that it's expanding that feature to more devices soon. Today on the Android Show livestream, ahead of Google I/O, Google revealed that the feature will be heading to Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo Xiaomi and Honor phones "this year," with potentially more partners as well.
While you wait, the company is adding the ability to generate QR codes on any Android phone today to let you quickly share files with iOS users over the cloud.Google also says Quick Share is headed to popular apps like Whatsapp "soon." It's unclear why that feature isn't broadly accessible to every app on Android, without additional developer work, similar to iOS's ubiquitous sharing options.