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Seven years of Android updates doesn't mean you'll get the latest features
Android version updates? Sure…but what does that actually get you?
One of the best trends you'll find in Android right now sees OEMs offering seven years of software updates for their new premium flagship devices. In the never-ending Android vs iOS battle, one of the biggest wins for Apple has been supporting its smartphones for longer with five years of software updates, compared to the two or three that most Android devices once offered. This finally changed last year when Google announced that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro would be supported for seven years. And earlier this year, Samsung jumped on the seven-year bandwagon as well.
How to check for software updates on your Google Pixel phone
It's not just you, even I can't wait to get the latest update
Google recently introduced the Google Pixel 8 alongside the Google Pixel Watch 2. The Pixel 7 series proved popular in 2022, and it seems that the Pixel 8 series won't let us down either. The new Pixel phone features significant design changes, has a new processor, and runs Android 14 out of the box. The latest version of the Android operating system is also rolling out to the Pixel 4a 5G and its successors.
Samsung's June 2023 security patch is available internationally for Galaxy S22 and more
It's also hitting several A series devices
Continuing to build its reputation for fast software updates, Samsung is already releasing the June security patch for international devices even though we're barely a week into June. The update isn't super early, as previous updates have often been, but it isn't exactly late, either. There don't seem to be any new features in the update — this is just your usual round of bug and security fixes.
Samsung's June 2023 patch is out in the US for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and more
The update is reaching unlocked and carrier devices
As is the custom at this point, a new month means a new round of software updates for Samsung devices. The June 2023 security patch contains the usual bug fixes and security enhancements but no new features of note. The update has already started to reach international devices, and now it's doing the same in the US.
Samsung's May 2023 update is available for US Galaxy Note 20 users
It's also available for several A, S, and Z series devices
As has been the case for years at this point, Samsung releases its monthly security patches in excellent time every month, often beating Google to the punch. These updates are usually limited to bug fixes, security improvements, and performance optimizations. In this case, there are some extras included for the Galaxy S23 series.
The Razer Kishi V2 offers a new Virtual Controller mode, and it's pretty slick
Easily add controller support to touchscreen games
Razer's Kishi line have been the go-to controllers on Android thanks to quality ergonomics and ease of use, with the Kishi V2 offering a design similar to the Backbone controller. Having reviewed the Razer Kishi V2 last June, we were impressed, though it was clear the supporting app needed some work. A new update for the Razer Nexus app brings it to 2.0, adding some much-need functionality and support for a new Virtual Controller mode. With this brand-new new feature in the Razer Nexus app, anyone can map the Kishi V2's physical controls to the touchscreen to finally tackle touchscreen-only games with something a lot more tactile. This is why I've gone hands-on with the new 2.0 update for Razer Nexus, to see just how well the fresh Virtual Controller mode works. Let's dig in.
The OnePlus 9 series is getting a new bug-fixing update, but not in the US
Blame 'specific country-related limitations' for this
OnePlus took a fair bit of time rolling out the Android 12 update for the OnePlus 9 series as it was in the process of merging its code base with Oppo's ColorOS. Unsurprisingly, the initial release was a buggy mess that was eventually pulled following user complaints. Since then, the company has released a few updates to fix the reported issues. Now, it is rolling out another new software build for its 2021 flagship phones to squash the lingering bugs — but it's not coming to the US.
Weekend poll: If updates were guaranteed forever, how long would you keep the same phone?
Stick with your early adopter lifestyle or settle in for half a decade?
It's no secret these days that phones are expensive. You might be excited about devices like the Galaxy S22 series finally hitting store shelves, but these days, it's going to cost you a pretty penny. Not all of us need to upgrade every year — or even every three years — but declining software updates often push us to finally take the plunge.
Surprise Google Pixel 6 system update seems to improve the fingerprint scanner
Still slow, but a lot more consistent
Google has started rolling out a surprise mid-November update for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro yesterday. The patch is relatively small at around 15MB and only comes with a minor bump in build number — from SD1A.210817.036 to SD1A.210817.037. The company hasn't provided any details about what's new, so Pixel owners are left guessing what exactly it introduces. However, Verizon has published a changelog for the new .037 build, noting that it "improves the performance of your device's fingerprint sensor."
The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are getting a day one update you need to download
Gotta fix all those bugs!
The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will officially launch on October 28th, with many customers who pre-ordered also receiving their devices on the same day. Google has shared in a forum post that there will be a launch day software update available for them, though it has not highlighted the changes it will bring.
Microsoft commits to an Android 11 update for the original Surface Duo this year
Alright, if y'all say so
The Surface Duo is a contentious little gadget, with a lot of cool hardware and a lot of glaring issues. One of them is slow software updates. Despite it being Microsoft's only mobile product, and an expensive one at that, it's still running the year-old Android 10. A day after announcing the sequel device, Microsoft says it'll have the original Duo upgraded to Android 11 before the end of this year.
Samsung's Android 12-based One UI 4 beta finally lets you use icon packs — here's everything new so far
Icon pack support has been added via Good Lock
If you're rocking a Galaxy S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra, and you want to check out the latest software goodies that Samsung is brewing up, you'll want to get involved with the One UI beta program. Version 4.0 is out to beta testers in the program today, and it has quite a few new changes. Chief among them, at least for owners in the United States, is support for eSIM cards, although this feature isn't working just yet. The feature was available previously in other countries and territories (as well as for the T-Mobile Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra).
Galaxy Watch4 update fixes a touch bezel bug, leaves a notification bug intact
Along with 'improved system stability and reliability'
The new Wear OS-powered Galaxy Watch4 comes in two versions: the Classic, with a physical rotating bezel for easily navigating menus, and the non-Classic, which does the same thing with a touch-sensitive edge on its round screen. Samsung's latest software update addresses the latter, as some users were complaining of scrolling issues. It's available to download right now.
New Weather Frog-style character clocks may be coming to the Nest Hub
It's raining cats and dogs. Or possibly chinchillas. We really don't know yet.
Earlier this year we saw a sizeable update to the Nest Hub and similar Google-powered smart speakers, adding a bunch of features and one cute-as-a-button little guy known as the "Weather Frog." While the Sanrio-style frog is so far the only animated screen of its kind, if recent leaks are any indication, alternatives are coming down the pipe.
The latest OxygenOS Beta for the OnePlus Nord includes Ambient Display tweaks
You can watch a little cartoon of yourself! Woo!
OnePlus Nord owners who are part of the company's open beta program should check their phones now: there's a new update headed down the pipe. It's not amazing in terms of content; the biggest practical addition is that the Android security patch is bumped up to August. But there's some big stuff in there if you really like the always-on display.
OnePlus's latest flagship phones have been somewhat controversial, but the OnePlus 8T has held strong as a decent daily driver. In fact, if you need a powerful device and don't mind year-old hardware, it's a no-brainer at its reduced price. It's been nearly two months since the OnePlus 8T received some update attention, but depending on your region, that changes today.OxygenOS 11.0.9.9 is slowly arriving for OnePlus's late 2020 flagship, but unfortunately, a vague changelog keeps us from really knowing what's changed. This update is region-specific, leaving India out altogether, but the system patch notes only list improved stability and solutions to "known issues." If you're based in either Europe or North America and your experience has been buggy, it's worth seeing if this update fixes any of your problems.In addition, this update solves an issue where the display would flash while shooting in "Nightscape" mode. It also installs the OnePlus Store app on your phone by default, though the company is quick to note you can uninstall it.In a strange omission, OnePlus has left out the July security patch in this update. The 8T is currently stuck on June's patch, and we're quickly coming up on August's revision as this month comes to a close. With any luck, another update is just around the corner for all three regions that will bring the phone's security measures up to date.This version is coming to devices in North America first, with an EU launch planned in the coming days. To view the complete changelog, just head on over to OnePlus's forums.
Google says it will give Nest devices longer software support than Pixel phones
Five years of bug fixes and security updates, at the very least
Software updates are important for all electronics. But for smart home equipment, it's the difference between having a working, cohesive system, and a big collection of useless hunks of plastic. Perhaps aware of some recent high-profile issues along those lines, Google has promised software support for all Nest devices for at least five years after purchase.
In recent years, OnePlus has slipped down a few notches in both quantity and quality of software updates. Last year, buyers of the Nord N10 5G and the N100 were a let down with just one Android update to the already-released OxygenOS 11 and two years of security updates. This year things are looking a little bit better for the Nord N200 5G, but still disappointing overall.
OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro update 11.2.6.6 features several camera improvements
Rolling out to India now, Europe and North America soon
Owners of the most recent OnePlus flagships, check your notification bars: OP is sending you a software goodie. The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro are now receiving the 11.2.6.6 version of Oxygen OS, and it's ... well, it's a bunch of bug fixes and camera improvements. Which is pretty similar to most OnePlus updates, but at least they're consistent, right?
Samsung's latest wearable updates are hitting the Galaxy Watch3 and Watch Active2
Icon tweaks and stability improvements await Samsung's wearable fans
Your excuses for your sedentary lifestyle are rapidly disappearing. The weather's getting better, days are getting longer, and with any luck you may soon be all vaxed up, ready to head out and take on the world. Many of us are putting in a little bit of an extra effort to get out and be active, hoping to shed some of this pandemic weight (and maybe then some), and there's no better tool to help you with that than a good smartwatch. This week Samsung's got fresh updates landing for a couple of its recent models.