Android Smartphones Are 'Lying' to You

When Android says “System is up to date,” many users believe their device is running the latest version. But in reality, this message is not entirely true.

Many Android users are running an outdated system. Photo: Android Authority .

Even with software updates, Android devices – from Pixel, Galaxy to realme, HONOR to Nothing – may still be running an outdated version of Google Play System without users knowing. This is a hidden update, not included in the regular "Software Update" section and also without a clear notification from Google.

Since 2019, Google has implemented Project Mainline, which allows them to split the Android operating system and update each component independently without manufacturer approval. Thanks to that, Google can quickly add new features, fix bugs, enhance security... through Google Play system updates, not through the main Android version.

Many important features are now delivered via the Google Play system, not traditional software updates. These include the Privacy Dashboard in Android 12, Find My Device, stolen device locking, fast hotspot connections between devices, security improvements via Play Protect, and automatic app hibernation.

The problem is that Google doesn't proactively announce when there's a new Play System update. Many people may not notice that their Play system is "half a year behind" compared to the present time.

We have to update the Google Play version manually. Source: AndroidAuthority

Despite being a tool that brings many new features and enhanced security, system updates from Google Play are almost "invisible" to users.

Google doesn’t show a notification when a new update is available, it doesn’t integrate it into the same software update menu, and there’s no easy way to access it. As a result, many people don’t even know the feature exists, and their phones are running an outdated version without even knowing it.

This is further confusing as the “Software Update” section in Settings shows app updates, but not Play System updates – one of the most important parts of keeping Android running smoothly and securely.

Let’s say you want to manually update your Pixel phone right away. You’ll go into Settings > System > Software Update , but… there’s nothing there. It only has major software updates and sometimes app updates, but not the all-important Google Play system updates.

Google has “hidden” these updates elsewhere. To find them, you need to go to: Settings > Security & privacy > System & updates . Here, you will see all major software updates, security patches, and Google Play system updates. Tap to check, download if there is a new version, then restart your device to finish.

It’s clear that Google has created a robust update system to overcome Android manufacturer limitations. But the way they’ve implemented it in a siloed, non-transparent manner is undermining the effectiveness of the entire effort.

If you feel like your phone doesn’t have the new features that were announced, try checking for a Google Play system update. It’s possible that your device hasn’t actually been updated as advertised.

Source: https://znews.vn/smartphone-android-dang-noi-doi-ban-post1543805.html