Tag: security updates

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Mobile Syrup

Pixel Watch April 2023 update arrives with ‘security patches’

Following up on the late April patch for Pixel phones, Google is now rolling out a Pixel Watch update for April 2023.

Those excited about a big update will be disappointed, however. Google’s patch notes for the Pixel Watch April 2023 update is just one sentence: “The April 2023 software update includes the latest security patches for Pixel Watch users.”

That’s really not much to go on, but it’s also not a total surprise. After all, the March 2023 update for the Pixel Watch brought several improvements, including the long-awaited fall detection, support for mono audio, colour correction features, improved touchscreen sensitivity and more.

The update sports build number ‘RWDA.230114.010.G2’ and is available now, though, as usual, it will roll out in stages. In other words, if you don’t see the update on your Pixel Watch right away, don’t fret (not that you’re missing out on much).

To download the update, head to Settings > System > System updates on your Pixel Watch. Supposedly if you repeatedly tap the ‘Your watch is up to date’ screen, it will force the update, but I’ve never been able to get this work, so your mileage may vary.

Source: Google Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Google only promises three years of Android updates for Pixel 6/6 Pro

Thanks to a Google support page, we now know that the company’s fancy new Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will only get three years of Android OS upgrades (i.e. Android 12) just like previous Pixel phones.

It’s a real bummer to hear given that Google’s been talking up how the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will get five years of security updates, a more impressive promise that comes much closer to Apple’s frankly ludicrous level of support (2015’s iPhone 6S got iOS 15 this year, marking six years of software support).

Android Police spotted the Google support page, which says that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will get “Guaranteed” Android version updates “until at least” October 2024. Google also guarantees security updates until October 2026 on the same page.

There is a glimmer of hope here — Google says “at least.” That could mean the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will get updates beyond that timeframe, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

What makes this particularly frustrating is that thanks to the new Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 line, Google has much more control over the Pixel hardware stack. PCMag’s lead analyst Sascha Segan tweeted that Google has previously had issues with the lack of drivers and support from chipmakers like Qualcomm and MediaTek for newer Android versions on older phones — something that Google implied it wanted to fix with Tensor.

While I don’t want to detract from the positive of five years of security updates, I also want to make it clear that three years of OS upgrades is simply not enough. Google has put itself in a position to do better — now, it actually should.

Source: Google Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Leaked Pixel 6 marketing materials point to five years of security updates

Leaked marketing websites suggest the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will offer five years of updates.

Carphone Warehouse posted a pair of marketing sites, which have since been taken down. However, leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) grabbed screen captures of both sites and published them to Twitter. There’s a ton of information packed into the marketing websites that confirms several past leaks, but the software detail is perhaps the most exciting.

A small blurb on the website says “Backed by the new Titan M2 security chip, five years of updates and Security hub, your privacy and protection is built into Pixel.”

That blurb also connects to a footnote at the bottom that says: “Android security updates for at least five years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US.”

Unfortunately, the site doesn’t indicate how many years of Android upgrades the Pixel 6 series will get. Previous Pixel phones came with a promise of three years of Android upgrades and security updates — it’s possible, although unlikely, that Google will offer five years of Android upgrades too.

Even better is the “at least” part, which suggests the Pixel 6 series could get more than five years of security updates. You probably shouldn’t expect more, but hey, it’s a possibility.

As with any leak, it’s best not to get too excited. We won’t know for sure if the Pixel 6 series will have longer software support until Google announces it. While it’d be nice, things can always change.

Source: Evan Blass (Twitter) Via: 9to5Google