Google: Nexus devices will get monthly security updates

Today Google announced a new update policy for Nexus devices, saying that in addition to the regular updates, the Nexus devices (minus the Galaxy Nexus) will receive regular monthly security updates over the air. This is another method on top of existing features to further increase Android security. Google points toward the fact that it has, for the past three years, informed Android manufacturers monthly about security issues, and with this newest change it is taking that to a new level.

Google says the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6 Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player will all be getting regular OTA security updates to fix known problems. The first one heads out to Nexus owners today, so check for updates if you have one of the aforementioned devices. This is in addition to regular platform updates.

Nexus devices will keep getting major updates for a minimum of two years , and will get security patches for either three years from first availability or up to 18 months after the last device sale from Google Play. With today's security update, users will see fixes for the libStageFright problem, among others.

Following in tow with Google's announcement is a similar one from Samsung, which states it will roll out a new Android security update process that gets OTA patches out quickly after a security issue is found. They'll roll out "about once per month," says Samsung. The manufacturer says it is talking with wireless carriers globally about implementing this new process, but has no further details at this time.

SOURCE: Android Blog, Samsung