Tag: Android Security Update

Google has just released the February Android Security Update patches for the Pixel and Nexus lineup.  Traditionally, Google releases the patches on the Monday of the first full week of each month (barring a holiday falling on Monday) so today’s release was somewhat expected.

All told, the updates this month are pretty small when it comes to patching vulnerabilities within Android.  It does consist of two patches, one dated January 1 with the second dated the 5th.  Google devices will receive the second patch when the OTA updates are released.

Verizon has released an update to the Samsung Galaxy Note8 on their network, bringing some bug fixes to the device as well as the January 2018 Android Security Update patch.  The new firmware build is version NMF26X.N950USQU3BRA5 for those keeping score at home.

With the January Android Security Update included in this update, it means that the Verizon variant of the Note8 is protected against the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities which, if for no other reason, is why owners of the phablet should get this update as soon as possible.  The update also fixes a bug where the screen would freeze during incoming calls, fixes a force closed bug when unlocking the device, and another force closed issue when the method of unlocking for the device was attempted to be changed.

Owners of the LG G6 on T-Mobile should be seeing an update over the course of the next few days on the device.  The update is build H87211g for those keeping score at home.  According to the release notes, it was published on January 9th.

The release notes only indicated that the update brings Software stability and bug fixes so it is pretty generic on what, if anything, was addressed beyond the updating of the Android Security Update patch.  Still, users are encouraged to download the update and get it installed if for only the security patch update.

The unlocked variant of the HTC U11 here in the United States has a new update rolling out starting today.  The update is build 2.42.617.1 for those keeping score and brings the December 2017 Android Security Update patch to the phone along with other system improvements.  The update is just over 730MB in size so users will need to download it via WiFi before installing it.

HTC highlighted in the release note the December Android Security Update patch but everything else in the note falls under “system enhancements”.  No details are given on what exactly was enhanced but given the size of the download, it is likely a significant number of fixes and performance improvement tweaks to the phone.

AT&T has begun the process of rolling out an update for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge on the carrier’s network.  The updates for both devices are small at 46.5MB and bring the Android Security Update patch to the December 1, 2017 level.  The patch also brings a fix to the BlueBorne Bluetooth exploit on both devices.

For the Galaxy S7, the updated build is G930AUCS4BQL1 while for the S7 Edge, you are looking for build G935AUCS4BQL1.  Given the small size of the updates, you can download them via your mobile data account but it is always recommended that you download them via WiFi.  After it is downloaded, expect about a 10-15 minute install and a required reboot.

Google has released the January 2018 Android Security Update patches for the Google Nexus and Pixel lineup of devices.  Normally the patches are released on the first Monday of the first full week in any given month.  Given that yesterday was New Years Day and a holiday, it was delayed until today.

Like previous Android Security Update patches, there are two that have been released.  The first patch is dated January 1 and primarily focuses on core Android fixes and addressing security vulnerabilities.  In this patch there are a total of 20 fixes included, four of which are considered critical fixes.