Google Commits To Monthly Security Updates For Nexus Devices

The first Nexus security update is rolling out today for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player. As detailed in the graph, there are almost 1,300 distinct Android manufacturers, with Samsung owning the majority, and LG, Sony, Motorola, as well as HTC filling out the field. Its “Be together, not the same” campaign is specifically aimed at promoting the huge amount of choice consumers get to find just the right device for themselves when they go with Android. Enterprise customers have long lobbied for better security on the devices, and when a vulnerability in Samsung’s Swiftkey keyboard was discovered earlier this summer, the company was surprised by the positive response to the quick patch.

Also Wednesday, Samsung described a new Android update process that “fast tracks the security patches over the air when security vulnerabilities are uncovered”. What Samsung is doing is developing a system to get updates into the hands of Galaxy owners on a consistent basis, regardless of carrier.

The Android sector of the smartphone market is just as fragmented as ever in 2015, according to research conducted by OpenSignal, based on data collected from 682,000 devices. Not only there are more devices around, but more manufacturers making those devices.

Users are being urged to head into Settings > About Phone > and Check for updates to download and install the latest software upgrade that is aimed nearly exlusively at the Stagefright issue. The company confirmed to GottaBeMobile this afternoon it’s flagshi new Alcatel OneTouch IDOL 3 is getting the Stagefright update starting August 10th.

I seriously hope Google rethinks this commitment to security patches, because I know plenty of people who use phones and tablets beyond three years.

The aim is to deliver monthly updates to Samsung’s range of Android phones, though this will obviously require the co-operation of carriers, which like to thoroughly test any update delivered to a phone on their network. If this hasn’t caused harm in the more than five years it has been around, a few more days aren’t going to hurt anyone. Accept the update once it arrives, and continue on with your day.