Google's new Pixel Desktop mode was a surprise feature back in March, but after trying it, it's the perfect way to let your Android phone pinch-hit as a laptop.

Last year, Google released Android 16 with Material 3 Expressive Design, new UI optimizations that looked interesting with a blur effect, but Android 17 could make the overall experience more immersive.

On May 12, Google hosted The Android Show: I/O Edition 2026, sharing a glimpse of what Google is preparing for Android 17 at the full I/O 2026 event planned for later. At the event, the top leadership talked about evolving AI features and upcoming capabilities for devices. It also revealed a new Googlebook with deep Gemini integration.

However, many of us have been expecting to see the new UI design, which has been teased in teasers. Specifically, the new pinkish Android logo had become a topic of discussion.

Yet, the show ended without anything specific about the new look. Fortunately, unofficial sources have brought us the first look at the new blur that put Android 17 back on the discussion table.

Before the Android show, it was rumored that Google would copy Apple’s Liquid Glass design for Android 17, but early screenshots confirmed that it isn’t happening. Instead, Android 17 has expanded the blur across different parts of the UI.

For example, the pop-up menus have this translucent background, creating a dynamic effect on the foreground, while adapting the colors of the wallpaper. This change is now applied across the entire software.

It suggests that developers have paid more attention to refining the design in 2026 rather than only focusing on the features and security.

This is only a preview of what’s heading our way with the final release, and you can definitely expect some changes in the official Android 17. Meanwhile, Samsung hasn’t released such changes in its latest One UI 9 beta.

The post Android 17 UI blur is different from Apple’s Liquid Glass design appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Google has previewed the Pause Point feature coming our way with Android 17, and I like the look of it.

Google has announced a swath of new Android 17 features, one of which is an AI-powered widget builder.

The Android Show 2026 contained numerous major Android 17 announcements — these are the seven biggest upcoming features.

Google unveiled its new AI-first Googlebooks laptops, more agentic Gemini features, vibe-coded Android widgets, Gemini in Chrome, refreshed Android Auto, and more ahead of I/O.

Google’s new Android feature, Pause Point, forces you to wait before opening distracting apps in an effort to curb addictive scrolling habits.

Intrusion Logging is a new part of Android’s Advanced Protection Mode, which aims to help protect human rights activists, journalists, and dissidents from government spyware attack and law enforcement forensic devices.

We’re introducing Googlebook, a new category of laptops designed for Gemini Intelligence and perfectly in sync with your Android phone.

New features on Android 17 include an optimized Instagram experience, advanced editing tools and Adobe Premiere.

This new wellbeing feature helps stop doomscrolling so you can use your phone with more intent.

Android Auto and cars with Google built-in are getting upgrades. Drivers can look forward to a rich new experience, premium entertainment and a more capable Gemini.

With added depth and rich details, Noto 3D emoji make it easier to say what words alone can miss.

The latest Android updates let you share files and switch devices with ease and keep your chats secure.

At the Android Show 2026, we introduced Gemini Intelligence, proactive new AI features on Android.

Your front-row seat to the latest breakthroughs on the world’s most popular operating system.

All the latest news from Google's Android-focused pre-I/O show, as it happens.

Google had urged Apple for years to support RCS texting to make communication between each company's devices more seamless.

End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging is rolling out for Android and iPhone users, securing your cross-platform chats by default.