The latest beta version of Android 17, QPR2 Beta 4, introduces a feature that could be extremely important for users who actively utilize AI assistants. Google is implementing a new section in privacy settings designed to track and control the operation of so-called "agents"—programs capable of performing complex tasks with minimal human intervention. The idea of agent-based workflows in AI is gaining momentum. Assistants like Gemini, ChatGPT, or Claude can already handle multi-step requests, whether it's ordering food or planning an entire trip. Naturally, these capabilities are not limited to a single application. To help users understand which AI agents are running on their devices and what they are doing, especially in the background, Google is creating a dedicated control panel. The new "Agents" option is located under "Security & Privacy" > "Privacy controls." Although it may be empty at the moment, its description states that it will display "agents that can access information or take action across apps." This means users will be able to see which applications or services have been granted permission to interact with other programs on behalf of an AI assistant. This is a step towards greater transparency and control over how user data and actions are used in background AI processes, which is particularly relevant given the increasing complexity of AI features in smartphones.
Gadgets
Android 17: A New Control Center for AI Agents
The latest beta version of Android 17, QPR2 Beta 4, introduces a feature that could be extremely important for users who actively utilize AI assistants.
Author: Майя Окамото · Aug 312 min

Category: Gadgets
Sources and verification
- Source: Android Authority
Original publication ↗
Related reading
- NOPIA Harmony Synthesizer: Chords You Can Feel
Music theory often seems abstract, requiring memorization and painstaking study.
- Lamps Without Switches: Design That Senses You
Forget fumbling for a switch in the dark. The new Call It a Day lighting collection from Tongqi Design offers a different kind of interaction: simply touch, pull, or tap the soft silicone shade, and the light turns on. This isn't magic, but an engineering approach where the entire lamp surface becomes a sensor.
- AI Assistant for Medics: AI-GUIDE Receives Award for Saving Lives
The portable medical device AI-GUIDE, developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital, has received the prestigious Excellence in Technology Transfer Award.
