How Android 17 Makes Your Phone Run Smoother
▼ Summary
– Google is introducing a new system called DeliQueue in Android 17 to reduce software thread wait times by revising how memory access is temporarily locked.
– This change addresses a core problem where threads had to wait for others to release a lock on the MessageQueue, which could cause delays leading to dropped frames and stuttering.
– DeliQueue allows threads to run with fewer interruptions by using a more granular, lock-free approach, similar to a deli counter ticket system.
– Google’s testing shows this could result in a 4% reduction in apps dropping frames and a 7.7% reduction in the Android system UI.
– Android 17 is currently in beta and available for installation on Pixel phones for users who want to try it.
You might not always pinpoint the exact cause, but you can definitely feel it when your phone starts to stutter. Scrolling becomes less fluid, animations seem to hitch, and the overall experience loses its seamless polish. Often, this is due to dropped frames, a technical hiccup where the phone’s display can’t keep up with the graphics being rendered. With the upcoming Android 17, Google is introducing a fundamental change to the system’s inner workings designed to tackle this very issue, promising a smoother and more responsive user experience.
The improvement centers on a core component called the MessageQueue, which is essential for how apps manage and display their user interface. In previous versions, a software thread could temporarily lock the entire queue while it completed its task. This created a bottleneck where other threads had to wait their turn, potentially causing delays in critical processes. If these delays stretched too long, the system would fail to render a frame in time, resulting in the visible stutter users notice.
Google’s solution in Android 17 is a new system named DeliQueue. This reimagines how threads access shared memory. Instead of a single, exclusive lock on the entire queue, DeliQueue allows for more precise, granular control. The concept is similar to taking a number at a deli counter; your place in line is noted, but service isn’t strictly sequential, allowing for more efficient handling of multiple tasks. This means threads spend far less time idly waiting for access and can complete their work more promptly, directly reducing the bottlenecks that cause performance jank.
For the average user, this translates to tangible, though perhaps subtle, improvements. Google’s internal testing shows a 4% reduction in dropped frames within applications and a more significant 7.7% reduction in the system UI and launcher. While these percentages might seem modest, they represent meaningful progress in optimizing system fluidity. Users may also benefit from slightly faster app startup times as a result of the more efficient processing.
The new DeliQueue system is now available for developers to test as Android 17 enters its beta phase. Google has already conducted extensive testing to ensure stability, though developers are encouraged to verify their apps work correctly with the new architecture. For those eager to try the latest software, the beta can be installed on supported Pixel devices today.
(Source: Android Authority)
