Alphabet Inc.’s Google announced a slew of upcoming features for its Android 17 operating system, showcasing its progress in artificial intelligence weeks before Apple Inc. is set to announce major upgrades to its own iOS platform and AI offerings.

Google previewed Android 17 with Gemini AI tools, AirDrop-style sharing, privacy upgrades, multitasking changes, and stronger security controls.

I'm a devoted iPhone user but Android 17 is tempting me with its new video and social features

Emojis are getting an upgrade in Android 17, and Google gave us an early look at what users can expect before they roll out later this year.

“Most AI chats keep a record of what you ask them,” WhatsApp warns, “and all your prompts add up.” The secure messenger has just launched Incognito Chat, which it assures iPhone and Android users will keep all their AI questions and answers “truly private."

Android will soon let third-party VoIP apps like WhatsApp show their call history directly in native dialer apps such as Phone by Google. Users will be able to return VoIP calls directly from the phone app without first opening the original third-party app.

Spotify is working on it

Need more AI in your life? Googlebooks from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo arrive in the fall, built 'from the ground up for Gemini Intelligence.'

Android phones that don't have native Quick Share-AirDrop support can now use QR code sharing to send files to iPhones.