Google has launched the first beta of Android 17, formally ending its long-standing Developer Preview program. This release marks a significant change in the company's development strategy, moving directly to a beta phase for its next major mobile operating system.
The new approach replaces the previous preview model with a continuous 'Canary' channel, designed to provide developers with a constant stream of updates and earlier access to new APIs. This 'always-on' method aims to deliver features as soon as they pass internal testing, leading to a more polished and stable beta experience down the line. The shift is intended to create a more agile and predictable development cycle for the Android ecosystem.