Android's January 2020 security patch starts rolling out to Pixel phones

As expected, the January 2020 security patch for Android has started to arrive for Pixel 2 and newer Pixel phones. Pixel 4 users will be getting the update at the same time as the older Pixels, while the first-generation Pixel will no longer receive updates. Those who didn't get the December patch will get a cumulative January update.

It brings the usual fixes and patches for vulnerabilities that range from "high" to "critical." One of the significant repairs was for a media framework issue that an attacker could exploit by executing arbitrary code through a crafted file. If you want to check out the update yourself, factory and over-the-air (OTA) images are available through the Android Developers website.

Source: 9to5Google

OnePlus 7 Pro gets August security update ahead of Google Pixel devices

One benefit of using a Google Pixel device is getting updates and patches ahead of its competition. But it looks like OnePlus beat Google to the punch this time. The company has started rolling out the OxygenOS 9.5.11 update to OnePlus 7 Pro users, which brings with it the August security patch. Some of the other updates include enhanced Adaptive Brightness, improved sensitivity of the touchscreen while playing a mobile game, and optimized accidental touches with the notification bar while in a call. The Google Mobile Services have been updated to June 2019 as well. There are other bug fixes and performance improvements included in this update.

As for what issues the August security patch fixes, we won’t know until Google releases the notes for it. This version of OxygenOS is rolling out in stages, though. So if you own a OnePlus 7 Pro and don’t have it yet, you just have to wait for a bit.

Source: PhoneArena

You need to update your Logitech wireless dongle now

If you own a wireless Logitech device, we’d suggest you update those wireless dongles now. A few years ago, hackers discovered that they can exploit a vulnerability in these dongles, allowing them to remotely control a PC. And according to The Verge, some products Logitech are still shipping today could still be vulnerable to the same remote access hack called MouseJack. Some of the products include Logitech’s Unifying Receiver and G900 wireless gaming mouse. The company did roll out patches that fixed the remote access vulnerability back in 2016. But we don’t know when (or if) these changes were applied to devices that were in the factory. You might have purchased an unpatched model. In a statement issued to The Verge, Logitech said, “Logitech evaluated the risk to businesses and to consumers, and did not initiate a recall of products or components already in the market and supply chain. We made the firmware update available to any customers that were particularly concerned, and implemented changes in products produced later.”

Just to be sure, we highly recommend you install the patch. If you have any of Logitech’s Unifying receivers, you can download the patch for Windows here and the one for Mac here. If you have the G900 gaming mouse, you can download the patch for Windows here. Once downloaded, simply follow the on-screen instructions to apply the patches. Logitech intends to push an additional update that fixes a related vulnerability next month. Make sure you have the necessary Logitech software installed and that you install updates as they arrive.

Google confirms it’s looking into the battery drain bug affecting Pixel 2 and 2 XL users

Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

You may or may not have noticed the battery on your Pixel 2 or 2 XL draining faster than usual. You’re not alone. A bunch of pixel users have been complaining of this issue after the February security patch was released. Google stayed silent about the matter for a while but now the company at least acknowledges it’s looking into the problem. A community manager on the company’s user forums confirmed they are investigating the issue. There are big releases yet to remedy the issue but for now they are “reaching out privately” for bug reports.

The issue revolves around battery levels dropping faster than usual and some even report their phones are taking longer to charge as well. And it seems even some original Pixel users have been experiencing these issues. Here’s to hoping Google fixes this relatively quickly.

Source: 9to5Google