UMVA has learned that a game-changing new feature called Bubbles is on its way to Pixel phones around the world as part of the highly anticipated Android 17 update.
This innovative feature gives users easier access to their apps by allowing them to set a floating shortcut to appear at the side of the screen containing their most-used apps. The shortcut expands and collapses as users tap on it, and up to five different bubbles can be on the go at any one time.
According to information obtained by UMVA, users can put their bubbles anywhere they want on the screen, except on foldable devices where they get docked to the bottom right corner. This feature essentially acts as an extra mini launcher, providing users with a quick and seamless way to access their favorite apps.
The clever part of Bubbles is that it's not just another way of launching an app - it actually gives users access to it in a slightly smaller window, allowing for quick checks or interactions before returning to the previous task. For instance, users can quickly refer to a website or message while writing a text, making multitasking much more intuitive and smooth on Android.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that users can create a bubble for an app by long-pressing on its icon and choosing the Bubble option. The process is straightforward, and users can even drag the bubbles shortcut to a different part of the screen to suit their preferences.
However, some apps may not be compatible with Bubbles, and users may encounter limitations with certain applications. Despite this, the feature has the potential to revolutionize the way users interact with their phones, making it easier to juggle multiple tasks at once.
When users select a bubble, they get the app overlaid on top of whatever else is on their screen, and can interact with it normally. The row at the top allows users to switch between bubbles, providing a seamless and efficient way to manage multiple apps.
By providing an alternative, quicker way of accessing certain apps without losing previous work, Bubbles promises to transform the Android experience. Users can now enjoy a more agile recent apps screen, similar to Slide Over on the iPad, and make the most of their phone's capabilities.
