It's that time of the month: Google's Pixel updates are landing. Although OTAs don't appear to be rolling out via the traditional means just yet, Google has posted both OTA files and factory images to the usual locations for your side-loading pleasure.
Read MoreEssential Phone isn't dead yet, picks up January update mere hour after Pixels
Essential's January update to the PH-1 was a bit delayed compared to the company's usual standards. Instead of the typical near-simultaneous release, we had to wait just over an hour for the Essential Phone to get this months' patches. For fans of the house of Rubin, that's nearly an eternity.
Read MoreEssential Phone OTA for December security patch rolling out
Essential has a habit of beating even Google when it comes to rolling out updates, and that trend continues today. An OTA including the December security patches for Android is rolling out to PH-1's everywhere as we speak, download at your leisure.
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Google makes good on its promise and mandates 2 years of security updates for Android OEMs
At Google I/O back in May, the company pledged to work with manufacturers of Android phones to ensure more regular security patches. It's now come to light that Google is mandating at least two years of security updates on Android phones, and enforcing this by writing it directly into OEM contracts.
Read MorePixel 3 and 3 XL are guaranteed Android version and security updates until October 2021
Before the Pixel 2 and 2 XL, Google had a habit of promising its Nexus and Pixel devices Android version updates for two years, but security fixes for three. That changed with the second-generation Pixels, which were guaranteed both types of updates for three years. The Pixel 3 family will benefit from the same courtesy.
Read MoreDutch case against Samsung for lack of updates finally heads to court
Early in 2016, it was revealed that Samsung was being sued in the Netherlands for failing to update its phones. The Consumentenbond—a Dutch non-profit promoting consumer protection—was taking Samsung to court for, among other things, not adequately providing two years of updates from the time of purchase. According to Telecompaper, the case is now being heard.
Read MoreSamsung stops security updates for 2016 models of Galaxy A3, J1, and J3; many new devices only get quarterly updates
Samsung has just made a couple of changes to its Android security updates page, and they're not too pretty. Three devices --- the 2016 versions of the Galaxy A3, J1, and J3 --- have been dropped from security updates altogether, and out of the four new additions, three have been filed under the list for quarterly security updates.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Google extends security updates for Nexus 5X and 6P to November 2018
Google has followed the same device support pattern for years - two years of major Android OS updates, and three years of security updates. You might get Android updates after that, and you might get further security updates, but it's not guaranteed. Seemingly out of nowhere, Google has extended the security update period for the Nexus 5X and 6P to November 2018.
Read More[Flash All The Things] June 2016 Marshmallow Nexus And Pixel C OTA Roundup
June's Android security updates started rolling out earlier this week, but you could still be waiting for them if they're going out in batches. Those of you who are too impatient can get the full factory image and flash it or download the smaller OTA files linked here and sideload them. Cody already posted the detailed changelog if you want to read about all the changes, but if you're just interested in the links, here they are.
Read MoreLatest Deals
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36 temporarily free and 47 on-sale apps and games to finish the week
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10" Lenovo Smart Display discounted to $150 ($100 off) at multiple retailers, 8" model down to $100 ($100 off)
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Nest Secure starter kit drops to $280 ($120 off), and Nest Detect sensors are $39 ($10 off)
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Get a Nest Indoor Cam 3-pack at an all-time low price of $279 at Target ($118 off)
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The dual-SIM Galaxy S9+ is on sale for $550 via eBay
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Latest Poll
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The newest, fastest "app class" microSD cards are still not very good for apps
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Moshi's combo USB-C audio & power dongle is a must-buy for charging while listening — especially in the car
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Nokia 3.1 Plus for Cricket review: Returning to US carriers with a decent budget option
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Harman Kardon Citation One review: The high-end Google Home you’ve been waiting for
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Latest Roundups
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[Bonus Round] Arithmagic, Smartphone Tycoon, Doggo Dungeon, Boost Buddies, Picky Package, and Evolution : The Video Game
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19 best new Android games released this week including G30 - A Memory Maze, Revolve8, and Devastator
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The best Linux apps for your Chromebook
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[Bonus Round] Devastator, Calm Cards - Freecell, BitLife - Life Simulator, Top Run: Retro Pixel Adventure, Bear's Restaurant, and Fancade
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23 best new Android games released this week including Star Traders: Frontiers, The Escapists 2: Pocket Breakout, and Tony Hawk's Skate Jam
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Recent Apps and Games
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Tasker beta can now use WaveNet tech for natural-sounding speech, including an old lady voice
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Google removing ability for sites to detect Chrome Incognito Mode
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Google plans to let preloaded apps update via Google Play even if you don't log in
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Stardew Valley is available for pre-registration on the Play Store
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Google Hangouts v29 adopts notification channels while dropping some ringtone customization, and more [APK Download]
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Blast from the Past
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1 Year Ago Today
[Update x7: Huawei Watch 2 and 5 others] Google announces which Android Wear watches will get Oreo update, and which already have it
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2 Years Ago Today
[Update: Use any audio file as an alarm or timer] Google Clock app updated to v5.0 with more informative time zones, layout tweaks, and more [APK Download]
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3 Years Ago Today
New Android Commercial Uses 'Not The Same' Musical Analogy, Leads To Confusing Tweets
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4 Years Ago Today
More Evidence That Google Play Music All Access May Shift Branding To 'Google Play Music Unlimited'
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5 Years Ago Today
[HOLOYOLO] Official Holofication Nation App Lets You Automatically Update Community-Modded Versions Of Popular Apps
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6 Years Ago Today
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7 Years Ago Today
Sony Wraps Up Sony Ericsson Buyout, Launches Sony Mobile Communications
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8 Years Ago Today
Support Page For Samsung Captivate Froyo Upgrade Secretly Goes Up - Update Imminent?
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