Android's January 2020 security patch starts rolling out to Pixel phones

As expected, the January 2020 security patch for Android has started to arrive for Pixel 2 and newer Pixel phones. Pixel 4 users will be getting the update at the same time as the older Pixels, while the first-generation Pixel will no longer receive updates. Those who didn't get the December patch will get a cumulative January update.

It brings the usual fixes and patches for vulnerabilities that range from "high" to "critical." One of the significant repairs was for a media framework issue that an attacker could exploit by executing arbitrary code through a crafted file. If you want to check out the update yourself, factory and over-the-air (OTA) images are available through the Android Developers website.

Source: 9to5Google

Rogers releases list of handsets getting Android's January security update on the 6th

Rogers recently updated its upgrade schedule over on its community forum, letting us know what devices are getting operating system updates in the coming days. For starters, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series (both the regular and Note 10+) are getting the Android 10 update on January 6. And the Google Pixel devices from the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL down to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are all getting the January security update on the 6th as well. The original Pixel isn't on the list as Google has already announced its official end-of-life.

On the same day, the Samsung Galaxy A70 will be getting the December security update. Meanwhile, the Motorola Moto G6 Play and the Moto G7 Play are getting the December update on January 10 and January 17, respectively. Rogers wants to caution its subscribers that while the carrier aims to release on these announced dates, sometimes there might be causes of delay. But it's a good indicator as to when you can expect the OS update to head your phone's way.

Google takes on Pixel's memory management issues in upcoming update, might bring fix to other Android phones

Google Pixel's memory management is one of the phones' weaknesses. But an upcoming update hopes to remedy this issue, and the company hints at bringing this to other Android devices in the future as well. Google will be making its first "Feature Drop" this week for Pixel phones. These include a new set of improvements and exclusive features for the Google handsets to entice buyers to pick Pixel phones over other Android devices. It's expected to arrive as a system-level, over-the-air update.

And while the features are mostly geared to those with Pixel smartphones, it looks like the company wants to bring the memory management improvements to other Android phones in the future. And by the future, we mean the next version of Android, so it'll be at least half a year away. It still gives a certain level of exclusivity to Pixel, but at the same time, it doesn't shortchange other Android users, too. Or at least it won't, if and when Google decides to share it with other Android phone makers.

Source: 9to5Google

Google Pixel 4 and 4XL won't get December security patch until next week

Google has started rolling out the December security patch to different Pixel smartphones. Unfortunately for Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL users, the update will be coming to your devices next week. The update fixes everything from bugs to security vulnerabilities that range from moderate to critical with improvements to the camera, display, face unlocking, performance, and stability. It also brings the Pixel 4's Live Caption feature to the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL.

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