Millions of Android phone owners receive 'critical' free upgrade no-one should ignore | The Sun

GOOGLE has issued an Android update that patches up a critical storage error that saw customers lose access to precious files and 17 security flaws

The tech giant rolled out its long-awaited Android 14 operating system in early October.

But at the end of the month, a number of Google Pixel users reported a 'bug' that left them unable to recover some of their stored memories, such as old images and videos.

Pixel users were then launched into an endless loop of rebooting in an attempt to fix it – or settling for a factory reset of their device.

A Google spokesperson told 9to5Google at the time: "Depending on the device, this issue can result in the primary user being unable to access media storage.

"Alternatively, the issue can reboot the device with a 'Factory data reset' message.

READ MORE ON ANDROID

GOOGNESS!

Android users warned Chrome will stop working properly on some phones soon

SAM DUNK

Samsung owners to receive big free Android upgrade – are you eligible?

"If this message is accepted, data that is not backed up can be lost, and if it is declined, the device repeatedly reboots with the 'Pixel is starting' message."

In some cases, the camera app also wouldn't open and users couldn't download anything because their devices said the storage was full.

Android owners with a Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 or Pixel 7a handset were most affected.

In a blog post published last night, a Google representative explained that the company is rolling out an Android update over the next two weeks that “will return their devices to an operable state.” 

Most read in Tech

SPACE PANIC

Terrifying moment astronaut’s helmet fills with water forcing impossible choice

ROBOT BOSS

First-ever AI robot CEO takes her job, but strange trend noticed in her answers

RING THE CHANGES

Amazing ‘ring-wing’ plane of the future could use tiny runways & less fuel

PS PLUS

PS5 Slim fans shocked by the console’s size – it’s not what anyone was expecting

A handful of Pixel owners told Forbes that the update had fully resolved the media storage issue.

The November patch also remedies more than a dozen 'high' and 'critical' security issues.

A separate Google bulletin lists an additional eight security fixes.

The update is available for the following devices:

  • Pixel 4a
  • Pixel 5G
  • Pixel 5
  • Pixel 5a
  • Pixel 6
  • Pixel 6 Pro
  • Pixel 6a
  • Pixel 7
  • Pixel 7 Pro
  • Pixel 7a
  • Pixel Tablet
  • Pixel Fold
  • Pixel 8
  • Pixel 8 Pro

Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

  • How to delete your Instagram account
  • What does pending mean on Snapchat?
  • How to check if you've been blocked on WhatsApp
  • How to drop a pin on Google Maps
  • How can I change my Facebook password?
  • How to go live on TikTok
  • How to clear the cache on an iPhone
  • What is NFT art?
  • What is OnlyFans?
  • What does Meta mean?

Get all the latest WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadget stories here.

Source: Read Full Article