I hated multitasking on my Pixel — until I tried Android 17’s app bubbles

Software experience can make or break a smartphone for me, which is exactly why I keep gravitating toward Pixels. Google’s handsets feel easygoing in a way very few Android phones manage, and I love it.

So naturally, the moment Android 17 started making headlines with features like app memory limits, more granular controls, and improved location transparency, my curiosity kicked in. I get irrationally excited about new software updates, so resisting the beta was never really an option. I installed it on my Google Pixel 10a just to see how these features would actually feel in day-to-day use.