The main topic of the article is the importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches.
Key points:
1. Many devices stop receiving security updates, leaving them vulnerable to exploits.
2. Options for continuing to use unsupported devices include installing custom ROMs or being extremely cautious.
3. The best solution is to buy a new phone that is supported by regular security updates.
Google releases bug fix for Android 14 beta
- Beta 5.1 addresses connectivity issues, home screen problem, and Pixel Fold wallpaper performance issue
- Expected to be the final beta update before stable release
- Fixes include SIM card detection, connectivity interruptions, blank home screen, and disabling live wallpaper on Pixel Fold.
August has seen a flurry of patches released by technology giants like Microsoft, Google Chrome, and Firefox to fix serious vulnerabilities. These patches are crucial as some of the flaws are already being exploited in attacks. While there was no iPhone update from Apple, major fixes were released for enterprise software, including Ivanti, SAP, and Cisco. Microsoft's Patch Tuesday fixed numerous vulnerabilities, including ones being actively targeted. Google Chrome also issued updates, addressing high impact flaws in V8 and WebRTC. Firefox patched various vulnerabilities, some of which could lead to arbitrary code execution. Lastly, Google patched several critical vulnerabilities in its Android operating system, including RCE issues in System and Media Framework.
Android 14's release has been delayed to October 4th, coinciding with Google's Pixel 8 announcement, potentially impacting OEMs' smartphone upgrades.
Google has postponed the release of the stable Android 14 update to early October 2023, which will coincide with the launch of the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the Pixel Watch 2 at the Made By Google event. This delay may also affect other smartphone brands, including Samsung and OnePlus, who may have to postpone their respective Android 14 updates.
Google has released Android 14 Beta 5.3 with bug fixes for Pixel devices, indicating that the stable release may be delayed.
The Pixel Watch's September 2023 update, which includes the latest security patch, has been delayed and will be rolled out starting on September 11, with Canadian devices receiving the update on September 18.
Google has revealed details about its upcoming flagship smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as well as teasing the release of the Pixel Watch 2, all set to launch on October 4 with advanced cameras, AI capabilities, personalized help, safety features, and health insights.
Google has ended software support for the non-5G version of the Pixel 4a, meaning it will no longer receive updates and Android 13 will be its final software version.
Google's next major OS upgrade, Android 14, is being delayed until October, with the beta program for Android 14 QPR1 now available and the official debut expected in December as the Pixel Feature Drop.
The Google Pixel 9 is expected to be released in October 2024, with minor changes to components and a price range of around $799 for the Pixel 9 and $999 for the Pixel 9 Pro, while a smaller Pro model is also anticipated.
Google's upcoming Pixel 8 line of smartphones may receive up to seven years of Android updates, surpassing Samsung and potentially offering five years of Android updates and two years of security patches.
Google has updated its Google Store site with information on its upcoming flagship smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as well as leaked promo videos and photos indicating a possible free Pixel Watch 2 with pre-order of the Pixel 8 Pro.
Google is expected to release Android 14 on October 4th, the same day as the Pixel 8 launch event, according to Telus, with the update coming to a range of Pixel devices.
Google has released the October 2023 security updates for Android, addressing 54 vulnerabilities, including two actively exploited flaws, with one impacting various software products and the other affecting multiple versions of Arm Mali GPU drivers on Android devices.
Google has released the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones along with Android 14, which includes new features such as an AI wallpaper generator and other customization options.
Google is releasing an October Pixel Feature Drop that includes updates for the Pixel Fold and Tablet, such as a Dual Screen Interpreter mode and Hub Mode, along with improvements to the Google Camera app and lock screen clocks.
Google has rolled out an update to its Pixel camera app, featuring a revamped interface that improves usability and adds new features, although some users find the change of the camera switching and camera roll buttons' placement to be inconvenient.
Android 14 is now rolling out to various Pixel devices, addressing 26 security issues and providing general improvements and fixes across various features and functionalities.
Google has released Android 14, bringing new features such as AI-generated wallpapers, passkeys for third-party apps, monthly reminders for data-sharing, and camera flash notifications to supported devices.
Google has released a firmware update for its Pixel Buds Pro, introducing features such as conversation detection, a hearing wellness monitor, improved call quality, and a low-latency gaming mode.
Google Pixel 8 series offers a 7-year window for software support and is eliminating the fixed monthly update schedule, instead opting to release updates as soon as they are ready, raising concerns about potential security implications.
Google has announced that updates for Pixel phones will no longer adhere to a formal schedule, with updates being released whenever they are ready.
Main topic: Techtober updates, including Google's Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, and AI features.
Key points:
1. Google's announcement of Pixel 8 series and Pixel Watch 2 with AI features.
2. Samsung's new FE devices.
3. Apple's iOS 17 update to fix overheating issues.
Google has confirmed that it has no plans to release a low-cost Pixel smartphone in the future due to the compromises that would be required to meet that price point.
This year, both Apple and Google are in a close race to see who can make the most incremental updates for their phones.
Google's commitment to providing seven years of software updates for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones highlights the lack of sufficient software support in most Android phones, and as customers keep their phones longer, longer upgrade periods are needed to keep them up to date with new features and security protections.
Samsung is considering extending its security update support for its devices beyond the current five years, in response to Google's announcement of seven years of updates for the Pixel 8 series, showcasing Samsung's impressive track record of providing timely security patches to over 150+ Galaxy devices and updating over a billion devices monthly.
Samsung is considering offering more than five years of security updates in response to new regulations, potentially surpassing its current update policies and competing with Google's recent promise of seven years of OS and security updates for Pixel phones.
Google has released a firmware update for the original Pixel Watch that slows down its charging speed in order to address overheating issues and potentially increase its lifespan.
Google Assistant on the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro has improved device control capabilities and can provide better assistance with system updates and settings, as indicated by banners and notes in the Settings app; it is unclear if these updates will be available for previous Pixel phones.
Google has renamed its camera app on the Play Store to "Pixel Camera" to reflect its exclusivity to Pixel devices, with version 9.0 being the latest release.
