A MUCH-LOVED Android smartphone is expected to stop receiving updates very soon, which could put your data at risk.
It turns out that Google also discontinues three devices after the launch of new Pixel handsets.
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The company has just unwrapped the Pixel 9 series, which includes a flagship version, a Pro and Pro XL, and a Pro Fold.
This usually means that some older gadgets have been dropped or lost support.
According to Google’s support site, the Pixel 5a with 5G is only guaranteed to receive free Android version updates and security updates until at least August 2024.
This could mean this is the last time anyone using that phone will have the latest features and security fixes.
Patches are essential because they address any vulnerabilities that hackers can find and exploit.
The Pixel 5a with 5G was launched in August 2021.
The length of free updates is getting better – Google’s latest Pixel devices come with a guarantee of at least seven years of Android updates and security updates.
Separately, Google also discontinued three other Pixel devices.
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They are:
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Original Pixel Fold
However, unlike the Pixel 5a with 5G, these three will still receive updates for now.
Being discontinued just means you can’t buy them new anymore.
This is quite normal after smartphone manufacturers release newer versions.
FOUR NEW PIXELS LAUNCHED
It’s the first time the Pixel’s Pro model has come in two different sizes, a 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro and a 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Google was forced to reveal images of the new Pixel lineup shortly after a series of leaks.
This includes a new “camera bar” protrusion on the back to house the lens and flash light.
But yesterday at a launch event, Android fans got a full look at all the new features.
The devices are brighter, more powerful and have improved batteries, according to Google.
The battery lasts up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver activated, the company claims.
The company’s new AI voice assistant, Gemini Live, will also be available on Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold models, free for one year.
Who offers free updates the longest?
The more updates you receive, the longer you can continue using your smartphone safely – with the latest features included for free.
Samsung
Since the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has said it would provide at least seven generations of operating system updates and seven years of security updates.
OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 12, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi offers a four-year discount on Android updates and a five-year discount on security updates.
Google
For the Pixel 8, Google said the devices would receive at least seven years of support.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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