Google is set to unveil its next version of Android, dubbed Android 17, which promises to bring significant changes to the platform. According to Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, Android 17 will shift from an operating system to an intelligent system.
Samat wants Android to help users do more of what they love, rather than just doing repetitive tasks like “digital laundry.” To achieve this, Google is integrating AI capabilities, particularly agentic AI, which can handle tasks intuitively and naturally. This will be a key feature in the next version of Android.
Gemini, an AI assistant developed by Google, will play a crucial role in bringing these features to life. Early agentic capabilities are already being rolled out as a beta feature in the Gemini app for select devices, allowing users to offload multi-step tasks directly to the AI.
However, not everyone is convinced about Google’s approach. Samsung has introduced multiple AI agents on its Galaxy S26 series, raising questions about whether Pixel devices will follow suit. Samat acknowledges that Android’s openness and safety principles are crucial, but notes that balancing these two aspects can be a challenge.
Another pressing issue in the Android community is sideloading concerns. Google has been working to address this problem by verifying app identity and warning users about unknown sources. The new sideloading flow will provide more visibility into where apps come from, allowing users to make informed decisions.
In an interview with Sameer Samat, we discussed his favorite Android phones, including the Pixel 10 Pro, which he praised for its camera and compact design. Despite carrying various devices, Samat admitted that he prefers to go without phone cases due to their aesthetic appeal.
Overall, Android’s next evolution is expected to bring significant changes to the platform, with a focus on AI-driven features, sideloading improvements, and form-factor innovation.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-android-17-sideloading-interview-sameer-samat-3647478