Android device updates: Samsung pushes January security patch to its flagship phones

29.01.2016
Samsung hasn’t exactly torn it up when it’s come to updating its phones to Marshmallow. At the very least, however, the company is sticking to the pledge for more frequent security updates with a patch for many flagship devices. HTC is one of the few highlights in the land of Marshmallow, sending out Android 6.0.1 to another carrier's model of its One A9.

Each week, we compile all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, Android Wear smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Making sure your device is running the latest available software is a good housekeeping practice, ensuring you have the latest features with fewer bugs and gaping security holes.

Security updates: On the Samsung blog you’ll find details of numerous vulnerabilities to be patched with the January update. The company didn’t detail exactly which models of its phones are to receive it, but most likely top devices like the Galaxy S6, Note 5, the Edge series and the top phones from previous years will get the patch. Keep an eye out if you have one of these.

HTC One A9: According to the Sprint support page, you’ll be getting the bump up to Android 6.0.1. It brings battery life improvements, more camera features, Wi-Fi calling, and the stability fixes that come with the latest build.

OnePlus X: The newest update to OxygenOS is coming to your phone. Version 2.2 brings camera improvements and several different stability fixes. Check the OnePlus blog for other details.

OnePlus One: The original OnePlus phone is still getting attention. OxygenOS 2.1.4 is available, though it’s called a “community sourced ROM” that you’ll need to flash yourself since the officially supported software is still from the previous partnership with Cyanogen. However, OnePlus clearly would rather everyone move over to its own software. Head to the OnePlus forum for more.

(www.greenbot.com)

Derek Walter