Our guess is that most of you have a smartphone if you’re reading this. Being smartphone owners ourselves, we’re always interested in knowing when a smartphone gets updated. Wouldn’t it be convenient to have this all in one place? That’s why we created our ‘Droid Updates’ Weekly Series.
Once per week, we’ll give you a list of notable Android devices that received updates over the course of seven days. This can be anything from a minor carrier update, a security patch update, or a major system overhaul like Android Oreo. We’ll give you an idea of when to expect the update as well as what’s new in that particular update. Access our ‘Droid Updates’ Weekly Series from the main menu or search “Droid Updates.”
Droid Updates Weekly: 10/23 – 10/27
Monday 10.23
Sony’s Xperia XZ Premium is updated to Google’s latest Android 8.0 Oreo software
This Android update brings your Android device up to Oreo, Google’s Android O software. The update is a major overhaul that brings design changes and a bevy of new features. The update may also include changes made by the manufacturer and/or carrier that change the appearance and add or remove features. Some of the major additions from Google include new notifications, performance and battery improvements by further restricting background data, picture-in-picture mode, new adaptive icons, and system-wide auto-fill. The update itself is a large package, but will make no changes to your personal settings, nor will it reset your device. The update is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend downloading and installing it as apps may no longer support the older version for your device as time proceeds. You may also not receive future security patch updates, which are very important in maintaining the highest level of security. You can try triggering the update in your device settings under ‘About’ and ‘check for new software updates.’ For further installation instructions and details on what’s new, hit the source link(s) below.
SOURCE [Sony]
Samsung’s Galaxy J5 (2016) is updated to Android 7.1.1 Nougat in Europe
Samsung’s Galaxy J5 (2016) is being updated to Google’s latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat software. The handset already has Nougat, and is now receiving Google’s MR1. Included are all of Google’s Android 7.1.1 features including bug fixes, stability improvements, new app shortcuts, GIF keyboard support, new “professional” emoji, live wallpaper metadata, rounded icons, automatic system updates, and new ‘Moves’ that allow users to lift their phone or double tap the display when off for quick access to the time and recent notifications. The full list of new features can be seen here -> [Read More] The update comes in a medium-sized package and will not reset your device. It typically takes around a week to reach all compatible devices. You can try triggering it by going into your device settings under ‘About’ and ‘check for new software updates.’
SOURCE [SamMobile]
Verizon’s Moto Z2 Force is updated with support for Gigabit Class LTE speeds
Verizon has updated its Moto Z2 Force handsets over-the-air. New is support for Gigabit Class LTE speeds. This should, in theory, make data speeds much faster and improve internet performance on 4G LTE. Also new is AppFlash, which will allow users to try out an app before installing it on their phone. The update comes in a medium-sized package and will not reset your device. It typically takes around a week to reach all compatible devices. You can try triggering it by going into your device settings under ‘About’ and ‘check for new software updates.’ For further installation instructions and details on what’s new, hit the source link(s) below.
*Also included are the Android security patches for September with addition to Blueborne security patches as well.
SOURCE [Verizon]
Tuesday 10.24
Android’s October security patches have started to arrive on Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S6 Edge units in select countries
Samsung pushes monthly updates over-the-air to some smartphones and tablets. This monthly update includes security patches, keeping you prone from viruses. The update itself is a small package and makes no changes to the look or feel of your device, nor does it reset your device. The update is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend downloading and installing it as soon as you can for your own safety. This typically takes a week to reach all compatible devices. You can try triggering it by going into your device settings under ‘About’ and ‘check for new software updates.’
SOURCE SamMobile [Galaxy Note 8] [Galaxy S6 Edge]
T-Mobile updates its Galaxy J7 (2016) smartphones from Samsung with Android 7.1.1 Nougat
T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016) is being updated to Google’s latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat software. The handset already has Nougat, and is now receiving Google’s MR1. Included are all of Google’s Android 7.1.1 features including bug fixes, stability improvements, new app shortcuts, GIF keyboard support, new “professional” emoji, live wallpaper metadata, rounded icons, automatic system updates, and new ‘Moves’ that allow users to lift their phone or double tap the display when off for quick access to the time and recent notifications. The full list of new features can be seen here -> [Read More] The update comes in a medium-sized package and will not reset your device. It typically takes around a week to reach all compatible devices. You can try triggering it by going into your device settings under ‘About’ and ‘check for new software updates.’ For further installation instructions and details on what’s new, hit the source link(s) below.
*Also included are the latest Android security patches.
SOURCE [T-Mobile]
Sony’s Xperia XZ1, Xperia XZ1 Compact and Xperia XZs are sent an update
Sony is pushing an update to three of its newer Xperia smartphones that brings an important camera fix which will reduce distortion in photos. Included to resolve the issue that has been reported by many users is a ‘Correction for image distortion’ option, which can now be found in the camera settings menu. This setting must be enabled in order for the problem to be fixed. The update comes in a medium-sized package and will not reset your device. It typically takes around a week to reach all compatible devices. You can try triggering it by going into your device settings under ‘About’ and ‘check for new software updates.’ For further installation instructions and details on what’s new, hit the source link(s) below.
SOURCE [Xperia Support Forum]
VIA [Xperia Blog]
**Friendly reminder: Our recommendation is that you charge your battery first and connect to a nearby Wi-Fi network prior to getting started with any updates!
