Latest update for Android devices patches over 100 vulnerabilities

Google has fixed a number of security holes in its July update for Android devices. The problem, of course, is that most smartphones will never receive the update due to the fragmentation of the platform. Aside from the Nexus lineup and the latest flagship models from the likes of Samsung, LG, and Motorola, mainstream and lower-end smartphones are not likely to be updated anytime soon. The situation has been steadily improving ever since the Stagefright scare last year.

The update addresses over 100 bug fixes of which one-third were deemed critical in nature and could allow remote attackers to install malware or trick the user in doing so. The update is available in two versions: One is the 2016-07-01 patch level and the other is the 2016-07-05 patch level. The latter contains all the fixes of the first patch, but can be used by other hardware manufacturers for implementation.

Supported Nexus devices up to the Pixel C will have OTA updates directly from Google. Meanwhile, major manufacturers like Samsung, Blackberry, and LG have also established similar security bulletins as Google, but for only a select few models. LG, for example, is limiting its updates to the G series, V10, CK, and G Style series, all of which are broken down even further depending on the region and mobile provider. Motorola releases patches on a quarterly basis, although its bulletin currently appears outdated and refers only to the Android Open Source Project. Most other manufacturers do not have regular update schedules.

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