GOOGLE has issued a NEW update for its smartphones – and ignoring it could get you hacked.
If you’re using a Google phone, you should check for a new update right now.
This latest update is specifically for Pixel phones, and not general Android smartphones.
But other Android phones are also receiving their own security updates.
However they may come at different times, and with other features included or ignored.
The new update for Pixel phones includes “severe vulnerabilities” that could allow hackers to hijack your device, Google has warned.
You should update as soon as possible to close these security holes.
“All supported Pixel devices running Android 12 will receive these software updates starting today,” said Google.
“The rollout will continue over the next week in phases depending on carrier and device.
“Users will receive a notification once that [over-the-air update] becomes available for their device.”
Google urged users to check their Android versions and “update to receive the latest software”.
Updating your smartphone is one of the best ways to stave off hack attacks.
Hackers prey on device that haven’t been updated, as they can access security holes that aren’t yet closed.
It’s worth noting that the update is only for Pixel phones still supported by Google.
That includes the following models:
- Pixel 3a (XL)
- Pixel 4 (XL)
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 4a (5G)
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 5a (5G)
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
If your Pixel device isn’t on that list, that means you won’t get the update.
It may be worth considering upgrading your phone if you no longer receive updates.
This is also time that the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are receiving their updates at the same time as older Pixels.
It should result in more stable updates for the new pair of Google phones.
Aside from security patches, the new Pixel update for April includes a host of bug fixes and improvements.
This includes improvements to wireless charging performance, tweaks to stop two camera bugs, and repairs to picture-in-picture mode.
So even if you don’t care about security, it’s important to update to have better phone performance.
This latest security update comes just days after Google was forced to rush out an emergency update to stop a “high severity” bug from being exploited.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk