As we enter the first week of July, most of the Android users have already been waiting for the next Android Security update. Google has rolled out the July 7.1.2 Android Security Patch, but this time, for eligible Nexus and Pixel devices. As is the norm, the July update brings with it two major patches – one that is meant to fix broader Android glitches and bugs for all devices, and the second one which is more driver specific for devices such as the Nexus and Pixel devices.
The July 1, 2017, security update is the all-purpose Android patch while July 5, 2017, the update has already started rolling out to a bunch of Nexus and Pixel phones. The release of the July Security patch comes with OTA images and is also available in full images on the Android Developer site.
Meanwhile, the July 5 update comes with fixes for a total of 95 issues with only one of them being critical. That one critical fix would be the Wi-Fi driver patch for Broadcom. This security update consists of fixes for particular component drivers such as the Kernel components, MediaTek and Nvidia components, and the Broadcom Wi-Fi.
The list of devices that will receive this update includes phones such as Google Pixel, Pixel C, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Nexus 6, and Nexus 9. However, the update is limited to Android Nougat users only and won’t be available for download on phones running on the Android O developer preview.
In addition to patching up known security vulnerabilities, this Google Security update also brings various minor performance improvements to the platform. Those interested can download the update manually through the device settings. Select the ‘About Device’ option and tap on ‘Software Update’. Others can wait for the update to reach your phone via OTA.
Its a pity Google keeps “announcing” these security updates. as if they are doing something out of this world. They should provide these without any pomp like Microsoft which publicizes these as a routine. There should come a time when Google provides updates/upgrades seamlessly for seven years at least for all devices instead of these bread crumbs thrown our way.
Errm what? Google just publishes details of security updates. They don’t force the media to publicize it. The media does it on their own.