June's Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 05, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for June 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted both the OTA’s and the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. 

For now, we have May Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (NHG47N, NJH34C, NJH47B, NKG47L), Pixel C (N2G47W), Nexus 6P (N2G47W), Nexus 5X (N2G47W), and Nexus Player (N2G47X). 

Nexus 6 (N6F27E) and Nexus 9 (N9F27C, N4F27E) gets May security patch based on Android 7.1.1.

Note that for the Google Pixel, NHG47N is for Verizon models, NJH34C is for Deutsche Telekom, NKG47L is for T-Mobile, Fi users, and Rogers, while NJH47B is for everyone else.

You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below. 

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Google Apps confirms Android O version as Android 8.0

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 04, 2017       

Android O is now official and is available as beta for Google's Pixel and Nexus smartphones. Google plans to release the Android O final build later this year for supported devices.


Until now, we were assuming that the Next iteration of the Android will be having Android version 7.2 or 8.0. But, folks at XDA have confirmed that the Android O will be having version 8.0. 

The confirmation came from teardown of Google Photos and Google Keep APKs that were released since June 1st. The code associated with these apps reveals the "platformBuildVersionName" as 8.0.0.

Via: XDA

OnePlus 2 won't get Android Nougat, According to Customer Email

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 01, 2017       

Recently, OnePlus founder and chief executive Pete Lau announced that the company will be updating the OnePlus 3/3T to the Android O, the newest version of Google's operating system. 

Leave Android O, It seems that the OnePlus 2 is not going to receive its long-awaited update to Android 7.0 Nougat even. The report is coming from an owner who posted the confirmation online, along with a copy of the transcript of the conversation with a OnePlus customer support representative.

Source: XDA

YouTube Rolls Out the Bottom Navigation Bar UI to Android and iOS Devices

 By Unknown on May 31, 2017       

In September 2016, a server side change from YouTube has enabled a new bottom navigation bar UI for some users across the globe. However, the company quickly pulled back the feature and rolled back the old top navigation bar user interface. 

Today, YouTube officially said that all the users across the globe will get the new YouTube's bottom navigation bar UI. YouTube is making this change because customers can reach out all the buttons with their thumb. 




The bottom bar has all the same tabs as the top navigation bar, but the account tab has been replaced with a new library tab. Also, the application is becoming smarter as it resumes from where you have left off.  

YouTube says that the feature is now rolling out for the users of iOS, but Android users have to wait a little more to enjoy the bottom navigation bar UI. 

SOURCE

Judy Malware Has Infected 36.5 Million Android Smartphones Across the Globe

 By Unknown on May 29, 2017       

Judy Malware is a new virus spreading to Android smartphones across the globe. According to a security firm Checkpoint, the malware has already spread to nearly 36.5 million Android devices and can be found in 41 Android apps in Google Play Store. And nearly 4.5 million to 18.5 million downloads are seen for the infected apps from the time of infection. 

The Judy Malware is an auto ad-clicking malware, which automatically clicks ads when you're on the infected app. That said, the revenue for those apps will be increased big time with this tool. 

Hackers have silently infected the apps by creating a Control and Command server, which apparently can't be spotted on the Google Play's Protect tool Bouncer. The CheckPoint firm says that this malware is in the Google Play Store apps since years now and a South Korean company, ENISTUDIO Corp created this malware. 

So, to stay secured and away from these apps, check out the reviews for the app and game before downloading it. And if you find a bad review, then ignore the app. 

A New Android Vulnerability Gave the Hacker Complete Access of the Smartphone

 By Unknown on May 26, 2017       

Android operating system was never a secured one, starting from day 1 when it announced in 2007. Every year, attackers are exploiting the Android OS by hacking a user's device. And this article is also about the same attack happened recently. 

However, the highlight of this new attack is that the hacker has got the access to the smartphone even when it's locked. As you can in the video, there's an attack called 'clickjacking,' which unknowingly takes the user's action on the screen, but he won't be aware of what he is doing. 

"These attacks allow a malicious app to completely control the UI feedback loop and take over the device — without giving the user a chance to notice the malicious activity. These attacks only require two permissions that, in case the app is installed from the Play Store, the user does not need to explicitly grant and for which she is not even notified. Our user study indicates that these attacks are practical. These attacks affect all recent versions of Android (including the latest version, Android 7.1.2), and they are yet to be fixed," said by the attacker. 



A Google Spokesperson in reply to the latest vulnerability said : We’ve been in close touch with the researchers and, as always, we appreciate their efforts to help keep our users safer. We have updated Google Play Protect — our security services on all Android devices with Google Play — to detect and prevent the installation of these apps. Prior to this report, we had already built new security protections into Android O that will further strengthen our protection from these issues, moving forward." 

Android O Cool Feature Will Allow You to Pause a System Update Download and Resume it Later

 By Unknown on May 22, 2017       

Every individual with an Android surely would have experienced this: When you're downloading an Android system update and the power goes off, or your internet connection goes off due to some unknown reason, or maybe you've to go out after starting downloading the update. 

For all these scenarios, the answer used to simple one- download the update from the start again. But that's gonna change with the Android O update as it adds a new 'Pause' feature to the OS allows users to pause a system update while downloading and resume it later.

This feature is already present in the latest Developer Preview 2 of Android O. That's a handy little feature to have around, and Google is bringing it with the Android O update. 

Also, Google revealed that the 'pause' feature comes with a Google Play Services update, but currently limited to the people under Developer Preview of Android O. 

SOURCE

Rooted Android Device? Google Play Might Stop You From Downloading Certain Apps

 By Vaibhav Jain on May 19, 2017       

Recently, a few rooted Android users discovered that they can’t download Netflix from Google Play. In fact, Netflix is no longer allowing the rooted users to access the streaming service.

As per the new changes spotted on the Google Play developer console, the app developers are essentially now able to choose whether their apps are available to rooted users in the Play Store.

There's a new "device catalog" section on the Google Play developer console which includes an option called "SafetyNet exclusion" which can limit “devices that fail integrity tests or those that are uncertified by Google,” from installing a particular app.

Netflix is probably the first application to implement this feature, we won't be surprised if any other app take advantage of it. However, this won’t stop users from downloading the app from sources other than Play Store.

Via: AndroidPolice

Android O Will Bring Redesigned Emojis- Say Goodbye to the Blobs!

 By Unknown on May 19, 2017       

With every major Android upgrade, Google brings new emojis, and with Android O, it's not changing as well. Google added new emojis with the Developer Preview of Android O, and they look a lot better than the blob styled ones seen on the Android N. 

Finally, Google is ditching the blob emojis, which was hated by many out there and replacing them with much-rounded emojis and they look decent. That said, the new emojis is available only for the Android O users right now. 

However, folks at xdadevelopers managed to port the emojis to other Android OS versions as well. Do make a note that your Android device should run on Android 5.0 Lollipop and above for the emojis to support. 

Head over to this XDA thread to download and install the Android O emojis on your Android smartphone right away. 

Google is Promising to Fix Slow Android Updates for OEM Phones With the 'Project Treble'

 By Unknown on May 13, 2017       

Google has announced yet another project that will fix the slow Android updates in its partner phones. The 'Project Treble' from Google will fix the slow Android upgrades. Google with the Project Treble will 're-architect' the core Android. 

Google says that it can achieve the same by “re-architecting Android to make it easier, faster and less costly for manufacturers to update devices to a new version of Android.” So, Google will separate out the vendor implementation section controlled by chip makers.  

“With a stable vendor interface providing access to the hardware-specific parts of Android, device makers can choose to deliver a new Android release to consumers by just updating the Android OS framework without any additional work required from the silicon manufacturers,” says Google. 

The Project Treble is already integrated into the Android O Developer Preview. In the past as well, Google started various projects to fasten the Android OS upgrades, but all of them went in vain. Hopefully, the Project Treble should solve the issue. 

Google to roll out Android O Beta program soon, Nougat Beta ends

 By Vaibhav Jain on May 05, 2017       

It's been two months since Google unveiled Android O Developer preview (alpha) for selected Nexus and Pixel devices. At the time of launch, Google made it clear that it was not the public beta and might not be suitable for daily use. 

Along with the April Android security patch, Google recently pushed Android 7.1.2 stable beta for those who were enrolled in the beta program. Following that, the Nougat public beta is now concluded and Google will soon start rolling out Android O Beta.

We have no idea when Google will start pushing the first Android O Beta firmware, However, According to the developer page, there is a planned release for the Android O second developer preview in the middle of May which is listed as a beta.

Google is also throwing the Google I/O this month on 17 May, where it is expected that more news on Android O will be on offer. 

Via: AndroidHeadlines

May’s Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on May 01, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for May 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted both the OTA’s and the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. 

For now, we have May Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (N2G47O), Verizon's Pixel (NHG47L), Nexus 6P (N2G47O), Nexus 5X (N2G47O), Nexus 6 (N2G47R,),  Nexus Player (N2G47R), Nexus 9 LTE (N4F27B), and Nexus 9 WiFi (N4F27B)

You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below. 

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Google now lists expiry dates for Pixel and Pixel XL Software updates

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 28, 2017       

We already know that approximate length of Nexus and Pixel Devices to get Android software updates is 18 months and Security Patch is 3 years after available on the Google store. But now Pixel owners can get exact time when their devices will stop getting software updates.

Google has now added the Pixel and Pixel XL to its end-of-life (EOL) support page. As expected, the Pixel and Pixel XL will be getting Android version updates up to October of 2018 (two years after their initial launch), and security updates till October 2019 (3 years after launch).

We already know that the recently launched Android O is the next iteration of Android and will be available for the Google Pixel and Nexus devices by the end of this year (2017). So, eventually Android P (if ever released) will be the last Android software update, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL will see. 

Source: Google

Google accidentally releases confidential test build of May 2017 security update to Pixel XL

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 19, 2017       

Google's Pixel XL users are reportedly getting "Confidential Internal Only" OTA with May 2017 security patch on their devices. The size of the software was just over 62MB in file size and was meant to hit the devices in May.

The screenshot below clearly states that the software update was for Googlers-only, who test the upcoming software updates for Google devices. The screenshot also mentions that the Google employees are not allowed to "discuss or comment" externally regarding the Confidential Internal Only OTA(s).

The update doesn't seem to bring any visible changes or new features. The update comes with build no. N2G470. Like every other security patch update, Google is expected to roll out the May, 2017 security patch to Pixel and Nexus devices on the first Monday of the month.

Via: AndroidPolice

Stable Android 7.1.2 is rolling out to Pixel phones Beta Testers

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 17, 2017       

A little two weeks ago, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Stable build with April 2017 Security patches for the Nexus and Pixel devices. The OTA's and Firmware are already available for selected phones.

Today, Google has started rolling out the Android 7.1.2 Nougat update though the OTA (Over-The-Air) for Google Pixel and Pixel XL Beta testers, while it might still take some time for all Pixel phone owners.



The update weighs in around 31MB with build no. N2G47E and is readily available for the Google Pixel/Pixel XL beta testers on Android 7.1.2 Beta. Along with the Android 7.1.2 goodies, the update brings a number of bug fixes, general performance/stability improvements, and adds new features including Enhanced notification stability, Fingerprint swipe, General connectivity improvements, and Battery usage alerts.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Software updates menu in Settings, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.


Via: Droid-Life

Android O gets Substratum theme engine support

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 17, 2017       

Substratum, a theme engine based on Sony’s Overlay Manager Service (OMS) is now available for the next iteration of Android. Android O developer preview users who have achieved root privileges can now theme their system via Substratum.

Substratum latest release "670" brings full Android O theming support. Users can now theme on API level 26 resources/Android O Developer Previews. The source code of the same is readily available for themers.



Along with Android O support, Substratum 670 brings "Dynamic Refresh Mode" which automatically refresh the list of themes installed without triggering a refresh by swiping down. The latest build also fix some errors and adds minor new features.

Android O Developer preview is available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Huawei Mate 9 and the official Android Emulator.



Source: Google+

Sony Xperia X Gets a New Concept Update Based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat

 By Unknown on April 17, 2017       

Sony developers have been doing a great job until now as they are releasing a new Concept update for the Sony Xperia X users. Concept developers are looking to release an update based on the Android 7.1.2. The update will start rolling out next week. 

Developers have been working on the update right from the day when Google released the update for Google Pixel and Pixel XL. You might be wondering what's new in the OS! Well here's the official changelog: 

• Improved fingerprint swipe performance
• Bluetooth connectivity improvements
• Battery usage alerts
• Other fixes

As seen on the other Pixel devices, this update will also come with various bug fixes. And developers claim that they haven't gone through any major issues so far. 

However, they claim that some users might come across some Wi-Fi related issues, which can be fixed through a factory reset of the phone. 

Pixel and Nexus Users Reporting fingerprint sensor issues after Android 7.1.2 update

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 15, 2017       

Google had a promising start to their own smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL impressing everyone right from day one. However, it was from software side where several users of Google Pixel and Nexus phones complained to have issues. 

That said, here comes another issue. From the last week or more than, 100's of Pixel and Nexus users are complaining about the Fingerprint sensor issue on Google's product forums.



Nevertheless, we believe that the Android 7.1.2 Nougat update might have broke something related to Fingerprint sensor files, which is apparently causing this issue. The actual issue is the 
Fingerprint sensor no longer granting access to the devices, however the swipe down for notifications Moves gesture is still functional.

The issue is reportedly affecting both the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, as well as the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The cause of the problem hasn't been identified yet, and there's no workaround to make the fingerprint sensor work again.



Via: AndroidPolice | Source  Pixel User Community Forum | Nexus Help Forum

Stable Android 7.1.2 is rolling out to Nexus 6P Beta Testers

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 13, 2017       

A little two weeks ago, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Stable build with April 2017 Security patches for the Nexus and Pixel devices. The OTA's and Firmware are already available for selected phones.

Today, Google has started rolling out the Android 7.1.2 Nougat update though the OTA (Over-The-Air) for Nexus 6P Beta testers, while it might still take some time for all Nexus 6P owners.



The update weighs in around 25MB and is readily available for the Nexus 6P beta testers on Android 7.1.2 Beta. Along with the Android 7.1.2 goodies, the update brings a number of bug fixes, general performance/stability improvements, and adds new features including Enhanced notification stability, Fingerprint swipe, General connectivity improvements, and Battery usage alerts.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Software updates menu in Settings, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.


Via: AndroidHeadlines

Huawei is Already Testing the Android O in Mate 9

 By Unknown on April 12, 2017       

Chinese smartphone vendor, Huawei is already testing the next iteration of Android O in its flagship phone, the Huawei Mate 9. As per a report from Xda developers, Huawei, once a partner of Google has ported its EMUI based of Android O. 

Google nearly three weeks ago released the first Developer Preview of Android O for the Google Pixel and Nexus devices. However, it will take ages for OEM's to out the next iteration of Android, but it's surprising how Huawei managed to port the latest OS. 



The report further says that the phone is running rooted version of the Android EUI, but the phone is not usable as a daily driver as it is plagued with issues related to Google Play Services and Wi-Fi. 

One of the prominent features in Android O is the picture-in-picture mode, and the feature is reportedly working fine in the Mate 9. So, will Huawei manage to release the Andriod O before Google does? Time will tell. 

Source: XDA