Google has released the January 2020 Android security patch for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. The new firmware not only fixes a number of vulnerabilities found in the Android operating system, but it is also designed to address a number of niggles with the device in general. Google says the January 2020 security update for the Pixel 4 series, which is also available for the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a and Pixel 2, will patch numerous software vulnerabilities that range from being critical to moderate in severity. The most serious susceptibility was noted by the Mountain View firm to allow a malicious app to bypass user interaction requirements to access permissions on a user’s smartphone. That could have the potential to unleash some terrifying new breeds of malware.
While the exact permissions weren’t detailed, it’s good to know the latest firmware will be better at keeping dangerous programmes at bay if you happen to download them.
In addition to beefing up the security of your Pixel 4, Google’s latest Android update also introduces a number of fixes for the handset that you’re far more likely to notice. These range from a remedy that’ll prevent the device from getting stuck during a boot to introducing support for the device’s 90Hz display with hugely popular Chinese messaging programme WeChat.
Here’s a full list of fixes introduced by the January 2020 Android update for the Pixel 4:
• Fix for notification display in the user interface – Pixel 4/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 2/XL
• Fix for NGA/flashlight toggle function – Pixel 4/XL
• Fix for devices stuck during boot on Android 10 – Pixel 4/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 2/XL
• Fix for colour shifting at lower brightness – Pixel 4/XL
• Smooth display support for WeChat app – Pixel 4/XL
• Fix for Wi-Fi crash on certain enterprise APs – Pixel 4/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 2/XL
• Various stability fixes – Pixel 4/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 2/XL
There are also a number of fixes in store specifically for older Pixels:
• Fix for Wi-Fi connection issues – Pixel 2/XL
• Call speaker audio quality improvements – Pixel 3/XL
• Improvements for audio in video capture – Pixel 3a/XL
It’s currently unclear if the new Android security update fixes a problem with some Pixel devices recently reported that causes some app icons to disappear at random.
As noted by 9to5Google, devices affected by the issue see certain app icons removed but accompanying text at the bottom remains. The problem seems to be visual only as tapping on the blank space opens the app in question as normal.
The outlet said it had encountered the issue on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 3a, however, there are also reports of it affecting the Pixel 3a.
The January 2020 Android security patch is rolling out for Pixel devices right now. If you haven’t already received an alert prompting you to download it, you can check for it manually by heading to Settings > System > Advanced > System update.
Source: Read Full Article