Google Releases Critical Security Patches for Pixel Phones: Update Now : Tech : Tech Times

Google has released patches for as many as 50 vulnerabilities in the Pixel software, many of which are rated “critical” or “high” severity. The tech giant noted that one vulnerability “may be subject to limited, targeted exploitation.”

The vulnerabilities affect the software and firmware of your Pixel phone. The high severity elevation of privilege vulnerability, CVE-2024-32896, could allow an attacker to gain deeper access to a system.

According to Forbes, these vulnerabilities, while unlikely to allow for a remote attack, could be used in a chain attack with other exploits to compromise sensitive data and credentials. A recent analysis shows that 90 fake Google Play apps have had more than 5.5 million installed, highlighting Android’s security flaw.

The 2024-06-05 patch will be applied to all compatible Google devices. According to Gizmodo, all consumers should accept these device improvements.

Google Pixel owners are strongly advised to update the software to secure their devices due to the severity and number of issues. Install the patches by going to Settings > Security & privacy > System & updates > Security update and clicking Install. Updates require a device restart. Google lists compatible Pixel devices and more on its website.

Google Pixel updates announced

This development comes after Google announced the Pixel 8 and 8a Gemini Nano AI models earlier this week, as reported by TechTimes. The update includes Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a Display Port connectivity, reverse phone number lookup for unknown numbers, Pixel Watch 2 drop and crash detection, and Pixel tablet doorbell notifications.

The June launch of Google Pixel features will provide developers with an artificial intelligence model. However, Google did not reveal the details of the AI ​​model’s features.

Read also: OpenAI adds former NSA chief to its board and security committee

The update includes Find My Device on Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a phones, which can now detect a powered-off device for 23 hours, even when the phone is empty.

Older, cheaper Pixel phones are gaining additional features, such as call log, which now allows reverse phone number lookups for incoming calls. Pixel Fold, Pixel 6 and subsequent models will feature this update.

What’s more, Google’s June Pixel feature increases HDR+ photo compatibility on Pixel 6 and subsequent smartphones by automatically selecting the best shot to identify the “best moment.” Only Pixel 6, 7, and 8 Pixel Fold and Pro versions will allow manual lens selection when shooting.

Google is still a niche player in the smartphone industry

In most major smartphone markets, less than 5% of Google devices are mainstream phones. A recent report by Statista showed that 5.5% and 4.5% of smartphone users in Canada and the US use Google Pixel phones. In the first half of 2023, Google shipped 2.6 million smartphones in North America and Apple shipped 35 million iPhones, according to Canalys.

Apple relies more on smartphone sales than Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Advertising accounted for about 80% of Alphabet’s revenue in 2023, while hardware, Google Play, YouTube subscriptions and other services accounted for about 11%. In fiscal 2023, the iPhone alone accounted for nearly 50% of Apple’s sales, highlighting the contrasting priorities of the two technology goliaths.

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