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Google rolls out the October Android security update for Pixel phones

By Alan Friedman

Published: Oct 01, 2018, 8:02 PM

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Google rolls out the October Android security update for Pixel phones

Google has started rolling out the October 5th Android security update to the Pixel line of handsets. Besides the security update, several bugs and issues are fixed, and performance of the phones is improved. For example, the update improves the fast-charging experience on the Pixel and Pixel XL. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL should see improved performance for certain protected media formats, and improved stability when using Android Auto. All Pixel handsets had their Call Screening behavior when using Maps Navigation, modified.

Pixel handsets started to receive the October Android security update today

The patch dated October 1st takes care of 23 issues ranging in severity from critical (8) to high (14) and moderate (1). The October 5th patch deals with three issues all rated high. None of the four Pixel phones required any security fixes, and no Android user was reported to have been negatively impacted by the security issues. The most potentially serious issue, according to the monthly Android Security Bulletin, was one that could have allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code using a specially crafted file. The entire update for the Pixel 2 XL weighed in at 54.5MB.

Besides the Pixel phones, the October Android security update was sent out starting today to the Essential Phone. As the month progresses, you can expect more Android handsets to receive this month's security update.

Functional patches for the Pixel phones found in the October security update

source: Google (1), (2)

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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.

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