Google unveiled a slate of major Android 17 features during "The Android Show" event ahead of I/O 2026 next week. The company is introducing Gemini Intelligence, a more powerful version of its AI assistant that can handle complex tasks like checking Gmail, finding books, and adding items directly to your shopping cart. Two standout features powered by this upgrade include Rambler, a speech-to-text tool for Pixel devices that understands natural speech patterns including pauses and filler words, and Create My Widget, which lets users generate custom widgets simply by describing what they want.

Beyond AI, Google announced several other significant improvements. Quick Share to AirDrop support is expanding beyond Pixel and Samsung devices to include Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor phones. The company is also improving iPhone-to-Android migration to transfer saved passwords and home screen layouts. A new "Pause Point" feature will show a 10-second interruption screen when opening distracting apps, offering breathing exercises or timer suggestions. Android is finally getting redesigned 3D emojis, with the first rollout coming to Pixel devices later this year.

Security enhancements in Android 17 include anti-spoofing call protection that verifies suspicious calls with partner banks, improved Live Threat Detection scanning for suspicious app behavior, and Chrome blocking malicious APK downloads. The Find Hub "Mark as Lost" mode now requires biometric authentication to unlock, and Quick Settings stay hidden while the device is locked to prevent thieves from disabling tracking. Google also teased a new Googlebook laptop category coming later this year as its next step beyond Chromebooks.