{
  "id": 16203592,
  "title": "Android lets you ‘bubble’ apps for easy access now – how it works",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/android-lets-you-bubble-apps-for-easy-access-now-how-it-works",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-23T16:28:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ZDNet",
    "slug": "zdnet",
    "url": "https://www.zdnet.com/tech/android-17-app-bubbles-how-to/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Android has introduced a new feature called app bubbles, which allows users to place frequently used apps in a floating bubble on their home screen for easy access. This feature debuted with Android 17 and initially only worked for Google Messages and Facebook Messenger chats on Pixel devices. However, it will eventually roll out to other manufacturers. To create an app bubble, simply select the desired app from your app or home screen, then press and hold on the app until a pop-up menu appears. From there, choose the Bubble option, and the app will shrink down to an icon that you can move around your screen. The bubble will appear on top of everything else, allowing you to access your most-used apps with just a tap or two. You can have up to five apps in a bubble, and they will move together on the screen. Samsung also offers a similar feature called Smart Pop-Up View, which enables users to respond to notifications from selected apps without leaving the app they are currently using. To enable this feature, go to your settings, then Notification Settings, and finally Floating Notifications. From there, you can choose Smart Pop-Up View and select the apps you want to prioritize.",
  "summary": "Keep your most-used apps accessible with this new feature.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}