Google is now rolling out the February 2022 Android Security Patch to all Pixel devices. And with this update, it fixes a few more bugs that didn’t get fixed in the January update.
This is the monthly security update that Google sends out to its devices and it shares with its partners. It doesn’t include any new features, just security fixes.
We have actually already seen this patch roll out to some other smartphones from Samsung, ahead of Google actually announcing the patch. Which is something we’ve seen a lot of lately.
What’s been fixed in this patch?
Google fixed a ton of vulnerabilities in the December 2021 security patch for Pixel and other Android devices.
As per usual, Google has not detailed each vulnerability. This is done on purpose so that those that have not received the update (which right now, is everyone) is not the victim of an attack. Detailing the vulnerabilities is like giving the keys to hackers, to your device. So this is done to protect everyone. But there are a ton of changes made to Qualcomm and MediaTek devices, as well as vulnerabilities in the Android Runtime and more.
You can check out the security bulletin here, to see exactly what Google has fixed with this update to Pixels and Android in general.
However, we did also get some bug fixes here this time around. Here’s the changelog:
Camera
Fix for issue causing device reboot when using camera in certain conditions *[1].
Bluetooth
Fix for issue causing audio playback to disconnect while using certain Bluetooth devices *[1].
General improvements for Bluetooth audio quality with certain media codecs *[1].
Framework
Fix for issue causing keyboard to display over input text in certain conditions *[2].
Telephony
Connectivity fixes for specific carrier networks *[3].
Device Applicability
*[1] Included on Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro
*[2] Included on Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a (5G), Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro
*[3] Included on Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a (5G) & Pixel 5 (C Spire, Cellcom)
What devices are supported in the February 2022 security patch?
The December 2021 security patch is rolling out to Pixel devices now. And it supports the Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
The Verizon versions will be rolling out later this week.
Most smartphones released in the last two to three years will also be supported. You’ll need to wait for your smartphone manufacturer to roll out the update though.
Make sure to update your Pixel device as soon as you get this update, and don’t put it off. Security updates are not great for putting off til later on.
2022-02-08 15:08:10