Google testing automatic updates for system apps

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Google testing automatic updates for system apps
Google has sent out email to developers telling them that it plans on testing a feature that will automatically update pre-installed system apps even if the user didn't sign into a Google account when he or she set up a new handset. The feature will be available on devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher, and users will be able to opt out. Developers are being asked to verify whether their apps will "work as desired with or without a Google account."

If Google decides to keep the automatic updates, it will allow Android owners (again, Android 5.0 and up) to receive updates to the system apps on their Android phone even if they never signed into Google. That will enable these users to have the latest (read best) versions of these system apps, allowing them to take advantage of any new capabilities. Besides making their handsets run better, this should also make their phones more secure since some updates could include patches to close exploits and repair flaws.


Since most Android users login to their Google account while setting up a new handset, we wouldn't imagine that this will affect a large percentage of Android users. Google has reportedly started the testing process and has begun disseminating system app updates to compatible phones.
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