Microsoft releases new Spectre patch that disables ‘fix’ from Intel

With Intel’s fix for Spectre variant 2 only making matters worse, Microsoft had to release an out-of-band patch to disable what the chip maker has done. This patch is for Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 users. It’s said to stop the rebooting issues caused by Intel’s fix. If you’re experiencing these issues, you’ll need to download the update as it doesn’t automatically install yet.

Source: Engadget

Sony releases August security patches for Xperia XA1, XA1 Ultra, and L1

In a case of better late than never, Sony just released its August security patch for three of its devices: the Xperia XA1, XA1 Ultra, and L1. There isn’t really anything new besides bumping up its security level to August 5, 2017. To check if you have the latest build this should be: Unfortunately, all phones still use Android 7.0, too. But security patches are important and it looks like you’ll have the latest for now. Let’s hope it doesn’t take too long for the September security patch to show up.

Source: GSMArena

Samsung pushes camera update ahead of Galaxy Note8 release

The Galaxy Note8 is almost here but just ahead of its release Samsung just pushed a firmware update for the phone (version N950FXXU1AQI1). Some of the things the update brings to the Note8 include camera software improvement as well as wireless charging optimization. The August security patch is also included in the update, which as Samsung Mobile Security blog enumerates include 32 critical or high-level fixes. There is also a preview of the September security patch on said blog that fixes 46 vulnerabilities in Android and 12 in Samsung Experience.

Source: Android Authority

Samsung Galaxy S5 and several other devices get security fixes

A number of devices including the three-year-old Samsung Galaxy S5 is getting an August patch that address some security issues. For the Galaxy S5, it’s getting version G900FXXS1CQH1, which comes in at 75MB and has been coming to S5 units in Europe. The Galaxy S6 line on AT&T is getting the update too as version G890AUCS6DQH1 for the S6 active, G920AUCS6EQH1 for the S6, G925AUCS6EQH1 for the S6 edge, and G928AUCS4EQH1 for the S6 edge+.

A non-Samsung device is also getting the update, too. The Nexus 6 on AT&T is getting the August patch as version N6F27I.

Source: GSMArena