Android software update roundup – More devices get Oreo, Galaxy S8 update issues and More

Looking to get your scoop on the news on what fresh and new software updates are out for Android? We’ve got your back with the weekly Android software update roundup to cover every major Android OEM and their update cycles.With thousands of Android devices eligible for the latest software updates keeping a tab on the latest system update for your device can be a hassle. Since we’ve dedicated the entire Samsung Firmware Update platform to help you bump up to the latest software update version, it only seems fair that we cover the update cycles for other Android OEMs at large too.Continuing with the trend we noticed last week, more and more Android devices are being pushed out with the Android 8.0 Oreo update, and this week is no different. While brands rush to get the November security update out to the latest flagship devices, some updates are even breaking more elements than they’re fixing.Regardless of whether you play for team Samsung or roll with the Sony fans, here’s another edition of the Android software update weekly roundup to keep you informed.

Samsung software update news

Another week has passed and the largest Android smartphone manufacturers continue to pump out more software updates than all of the others combined. While the signs of an Android 8.0 update for the flagship devices are apparent, Samsung is always under scrutiny for taking a whole lot longer than other brands to bring the latest updates.However, the South-Korean tech giant has not only kept the November security patch rolling, but also released a bunch of regulatory updates, some of which that are less than perfect for some disappointed users.

Galaxy S8 and S8+ November security update (and issues)

As the owner of a current flagship Android device, you’d expect to be the first in line to receive each new update. However, Samsung has a different approach to rolling out conventional security updates, where the prime devices – Galaxy S8 and S8+ are pretty much the last flagship Android devices to get the November security patch.Better late than never, the Galaxy S8 November security update is finally rolling out for millions of users in a public release. All of the security-savvy people will be glad to know that the November patch fixes the Wi-Fi KRACK exploit, along with a fix for 61 Android vulnerabilities and 6 Samsung’s software-based exploits.However, some reports have emerged that the latest update for the Galaxy S8 and S8+ is causing issues with the fast charging feature of the device. A small number of users have also reported wireless charging issues with third-party accessories, but the fast charging problem seems to affect only a minority.The rather large update packs 545MB in size with the build number G950FXXU1AQK7 should reach you automatically via OTA cycle. However, if you can’t see the update notification yet, head over to the Settings – Software update menu and check for the update manually.Older flagship devices like the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge and Galaxy Note 5 on the Verizon carrier-locked network are also being updated with the November security patch. Moreover, one of the seemingly few mid-range devices – the Galaxy J7 Pro is surprisingly on the list of Galaxy devices that are being bestowed the latest security patch.

Software update for Galaxy Note 8

Despite the fact that it has been months since the Galaxy Note 8 went on sale, the flagship phablet is finally receiving the November security update. Although the Galaxy Note 8 on Verizon did receive a patch for the Wi-Fi KRACK exploit already, the security update level was bumped up only in October.The November security patch for Galaxy Note 8 is rolling out worldwide, with user reports from Europe and Asia to confirm it. However, one significant difference between the update rollout is the fact that some additional camera features that have been introduced in the US and Europe have not been rolled out for India and the neighboring Asian countries.The biggest change with the November update is the enhanced Live Focus feature of the camera, where the “Live Focus ready” notification is shown in the yellow background. Moreover, the update has also added the “+” and “–“ buttons to the Live Focus mode for you to zoom in and out for changing the level of background blur when taking a picture.The firmware update is rolling out for Galaxy Note 8 model numbers SM-N9508 with build number N9508ZMU2BQK1 and SM-N9500 with build number N9500ZHU2BQK1 respectively in China and Hong Kong. As a Galaxy Note 8owner, expect the over-the-air update to reach you shortly, or check it manually by heading over to Settings – Software Update – Download Updates Manually.

Samsung Android 8.0 Oreo update 

It’s been months since the Samsung Oreo Beta program has been going on, and the company just recently sent out the 3^rd Android Oreo beta update for the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Bringing more bug fixes and no exclusive new features, you can find the entire list of changes in the latest Android 8.0 beta update in the screenshot below.If you’re a part of the Samsung Oreo beta program, be sure to update to the latest version which also brings along the November security patch. However, a leaked screenshot should give you a better perspective of the devices for which Samsung will be releasing the Android 8.0 update for in the near future.As you can see from the image screenshot, it checks out with the rumors that the two-year-old Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge along with Galaxy Note 5 will get Oreo. This is unusual since it breaks the standard rule of two major update cycles for flagship devices. Moreover, the list contains names of devices Samsung is yet to launch, like the 2017 variants of the Galaxy A7, Galaxy A5 2018, Galaxy A3 2018, Galaxy A3 2018 and Galaxy C10.

LG software update news

While LG does have a mixed lineup of Android devices in the mid-range and premium price category, you’ll rightfully find most updates rolling out for the high-end devices. Starting off with the big news, LG is once again delivering on time with the Android 8.0 Oreo update landing for the LG V30 and V30 Plus, which is in line with their promise to bring the latest version of Android before the end of the year.Before you pop out your LG V30 and LG V30 Plus to look for the OTA notification, note that the update is only rolling out for registered beta users in South Korea. It’s not clear whether the beta program will extend to the US and across Europe, but a beta update is definitely the first solid step in the right direction.However, the LG V30 owners can expect a regulatory software update head their way with the November security patch bundled along. Running build number N2G47H, the OTA update is rolling out incrementally and weighs almost 500MB in size. Similarly, the November security update is reaching the older LG V20 locked with AT&T in the United States with the build number H91010R and weighing just 117MB.In the meantime, the flagship device from LG, the LG G6 locked on the Sprint carrier network is receiving an update of its own, with the November security update packed in. The software version number LS993ZV9 patches the notorious BlueBorne exploit for good and should be available to Sprint users over-the-air.

Sony software update news

Once a powerful contender in the Android smartphone world, the Xperia lineup of smartphones has shrunk down in size, but the Japanese company is committed to its users. Sony was one of the first Android OEMs to unveil their Android 8.0 Oreo roadmap, and it seems like they sticking to it.Joining the ranks of the few Android OEMs to bring out Android 8.0 in public, Sony is rolling out the Oreo update for its present lineup of Xperia devices. The major software update is being sent out via OTA cycle to Xperia XZ, Xperia XZs, and the Xperia X Performance, earlier than most users had expected.The Sony Android 8.0 update comes with the build number 41.3.A.0.401, bringing the goodness of Oreo along with a bunch of Xperia-centric tweaks under Xperia Actions and some significant UI changes. The software update weighs a whopping 1.2GB, so make sure you have the phone charged up and connected to a Wi-Fi network before you hit the “download” button.

HTC software update news

The Taiwanese tech giant has been busy rolling out the latest major Android version of devices in its home nation, but now the offer is going global. HTC U11 is finally receiving the much-awaited Android 8.0 Oreo update, making it one of the few flagships to join the 0.3 percent market share of the latest Android version.With the Android 8.0 update, HTC has tone downed the Sense UI for something a lot more stock Android, but with a bunch of design, tweaks to keep it refreshing. Packing 1.33GB in size, you should receive the OTA notification automatically, or simply head over to Settings – About Phone – Software Update.Following the flagship, HTC U11 Life has also been bumped up to Android 8.0 with the latest software update, bringing along all of the good stuff. The sad news is that the Oreo update for HTC U11 Life users in the United States is not out just yet since the HTC U11 Life is locked to T-Mobile in the US and the carrier is still working on the update.

Nokia software update news

After switching hands from one tech giant to another, the Finnish mobile icon is far from being irrelevant now that it plays for team Android. Nokia is creating ripples in the Android mobile market based on its range of Android devices that go up and down the price spectrum. After running a beta cycle last month, the brand has rolled out Android 8.0 Oreo update for the flagship Nokia 8.While covering the basics like improved battery life with limited background activity and Oreo-oriented features like picture-in-picture mode, there are some exclusive features from Nokia too, like the “Dual-Sight” feature for bothies. But unlike other Android OEMs, Nokia is not going to cut out its other devices from the goodness. The Nokia Beta Labs is working on bringing Android 8.0 to Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 very soon, followed by the budget-friendly Nokia 3 and Nokia 2.However, it is expected that the Nokia 3 that came with Android 7.1.1. Nougat out of the box will go straight to Oreo, as confirmed by Nokia CPO, Juho Sarvikas. In the meantime, Nokia 6 owners can expect a new update heading their way which reportedly brings up the security level to November. The update carries build number 00WW_3_72A with a file size of 149.3MB, so keep an eye out for the OTA notification or check manually from Settings – Other – Software Update.

OnePlus software update news

The Chinese newcomer surprised its loyal OnePlus 3T and OnePlus 3 users with the Android 8.0 Oreo update even before the flagship OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T. With the year coming to an end, OnePlus has finally brought Android 8.0 to the OnePlus 5 for its Open Beta program members.

• System
  • Updated to Android O (8.0)
    • Added Picture in Picture
    • Added Auto-fill
    • Added Smart text selection
    • New Quick Settings design
  • Added Parallel Apps
  • Updated security patch for October
• Launcher
  • Added notification dots
  • New app folder design
  • Now able to upload photos directly to Shot on OnePlus

While there’s no news for a beta Android 8.0 update for OnePlus 3T, there is a public software update rolling out right now. The massive 1613MB size may almost seem like a major software update, but the OTA update is intended to fix more of the existing features that bring new ones along.OxygenOS 4.7.2 for OnePlus 5T brings a list of stability improvements and bug fixes, with improved performance of the fingerprint scanner and the Face Unlock feature. The latest update also fixes the WPA2 KRACK exploit while enhancing the accuracy of the screen off gestures and bringing EIS to the 4K recording mode.Got an Android device that you’re waiting on to get updated next? Be sure to drop the name in the comments and we’ll let you know how long you need to wait, or simply head over to the Samsung Firmware Update platform to grab the latest version of Galaxy system updates right now.