Tag: late

Android Firmware

Better late than never: Surface Duo and Duo 2 get July 2023 firmware update

A Surface Duo running Minecraft Dungeons using Xbox Cloud Gaming with controls on the bottom screen

Better late than never: Microsoft has again released a late firmware update for its dying dual-screen smartphone lineup. The July 2023 update is now available for the first and second-generation Surface Duo, bringing traditional Android security patches and fixes.

Surface Duo 1 Surface Duo 2
Update Version 2022.902.32 2023.429.46
Update Size ~115MB ~135MB
What is new

Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – July 2023.
Extra Information The update is available for unlocked Surface Duo devices in North America and Europe. Locked and unlocked AT&T devices will get the release later. The update does not require extra steps to perform before or after installation.
Known Bugs No known bugs in this update. However, customers continue reporting issues with taking screenshots using the Volume Down Button + Power Button combination.
Device Supported Until September 10, 2023 October 21, 2024

Microsoft’s Surface Duo smartphones currently run Android 12L, and the latest rumors indicate that customers should not hold their breaths for an official upgrade to Android 13. Microsoft will stop supporting the original Surface Duo in one month, but even the second generation is unlikely to receive another Android upgrade. The company reportedly discontinued its ill-fated dual-screen smartphone with no more plans for major software updates.

Still, enthusiasts are not giving up on the Surface Duo. The original variant keeps getting unofficial drivers for running Windows 10 and 11 (the most recent release introduced Miracast support and various fixes), plus you can upgrade the smartphone to an unofficial Android 13 port. All those efforts will help this unique smartphone live for a little longer.

There are rumors about a foldable and even regular-looking smartphone from Microsoft. Still, the company will have to try extremely hard to regain consumer trust with such lackluster software support and another failed attempt on the

… Read More ...
Android Google

June Android 13 QPR3 update with next Pixel Feature Drop is late

Given that two out of the last three updates arrived late, we’re not too surprised that Android 13 QPR3 with the June 2023 security patch and the next Pixel Feature Drop is not yet out.

Historically, Google releases Pixel security patches on the first Monday of the month at 10 a.m. In March, Android 13 QPR2 rolled out a week late, while the Verizon variant for the Pixel 6 and 6a series took another seven days. Despite being a more minor update, the same thing happened in April. Things went back to normal last month, but the delay has now returned.

As of 10:30 a.m. (PT), the stable release of Android 13 QPR3 has not been announced. We do, however, have the Android Security Bulletin—June 2023. There are 23 security issues resolved in the Android 13 June patch dated 2023-06-01 and 34 for 2023-06-05. Google warns that:

There are indications that CVE-2022-22706 may be under limited, targeted exploitation.

The vulnerability relates to ARM Mali GPUs and has a “high” severity.

It comes as the Android 13 QPR3 Beta Program was quite sporadic. Beta 1 arrived in mid-March and Beta 2 went out after only two weeks compared to the usual month-long wait. Beta 3 followed three weeks later with Beta 3.2 being the last release in mid-May. 

Android 14 might have played a role given the close release cadence, while another factor might be how the Pixel Tablet and Fold are launching with Android 13 QPR3.

Meanwhile, given the side-by-side release cadence, June’s Pixel Watch update is likely also delayed.

More on Pixel:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

link … Read More ...

Android Firmware

Microsoft’s Surface Duo smartphones get late March firmware update

A Surface Duo running Minecraft Dungeons using Xbox Cloud Gaming with controls on the bottom screen

Microsoft has released a late monthly firmware update for the original Surface Duo and its successor. Like the previous update, the March 2023 release brings no new features, changes, or visible improvements, and all users get this month are Android security patches.

What is new in March 2023 firmware update for Surface Duo?

Here are the official details and changelogs from Microsoft:

Surface Duo Surface Duo 2
Software Version 2022.825.15 2022.825.33
Update Info Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – March 2023.
Extra Steps The update does not require additional steps before or after installation.
Known Bugs No known bugs in these updates.

The first-gen Surface Duo was undoubtedly a rough device ruined by multiple software issues, but the company eventually fixed the situation using monthly firmware updates. Now you can snag the original Surface Duo for as low as $399 (128GB) or $499 (256GB), and these prices make the smartphone a compelling alternative to mainstream devices. Besides, you can experiment with replacing Android with Windows 11 or 10, thus giving the Surface Duo a new life.

Our stories may contain affiliate links for products/apps where Neowin is paid an affiliate fee if you complete a purchase via those links.


link … Read More ...

Android Google

Pixel April 2023 update is late, marking next delay in a row

Android 13 August security patch

Traditionally, Pixel security patches are launched on the to start with Monday of the month at 10 a.m. PT. Adhering to past month’s situation, Google has however to launch the April 2023 update for the Pixel 4a to 7 Pro.

As Monday winds down, the firm has however to publish a “Google Pixel Update – April 2023” changelog, detail the “Pixel Update Bulletin—April 2023,” or release whole Manufacturing facility/OTA Pictures.

The “Android Protection Bulletin—April 2023” was introduced at the typical time, but carriers (Verizon) have yet to element.

We’re not anticipating the April security patch to be a big update because Android 13 QPR2 rolled out very last month. At most effective, there really should be a handful of useful updates and other fixes. (The subsequent Attribute Fall/QPR3 is anticipated in June, with screening currently underway.)

It will come as 1 consumer last week been given an April 5, 2023 security update on their Pixel 5 forward of plan. That was a one particular-off incident with no other experiences (potentially interior tests), but it did reveal a make selection that advised nothing important is probably to modify.

There is no obvious motive for the update to not be produced right now (i.e., Monday isn’t a community getaway in the US). The final noteworthy hold off was in August 2022, when Google did not roll out an update on schedule due to the fact it was waiting for Android 13, which received a mid-month launch. Just before that, the Pixel 6 sequence was not updated at the exact time as older phones, with Tensor probably at fault.

Google never ever discussed why the updates were delayed final thirty day period, and the enterprise didn’t present any direction when we questioned today about April.

In the meantime, the

… Read More ...