Google and Samsung to deliver Over-The-Air monthly updates to all devices

Various media reports say Samsung Electronics has revealed plans to roll out regular security updates to its Android mobile devices. According to Samsung, the security updates and patches will be released over the air (OTA) about once a month.

According to IT News Africa, Samsung recently fast tracked security updates to its Galaxy devices with the recent Android Stagefright issues working with the carriers and partners. Acknowledging the importance of time in addressing major vulnerabilities, IT News Africa reports that the company plans to further develop this process and implement it as a timely security update practice.

Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Research and Development Office, IT & Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics, Dong Jin Koh, stated that: “With the recent security issues, we have been rethinking the approach to getting security updates to our devices in a more timely manner. Since software is constantly exploited in new ways, developing a fast response process to deliver security patches to our devices is critical to keep them protected. We believe that this new process will vastly improve the security of our devices and will aim to provide the best mobile experience possible for our users.”

Samsung is currently in talks with carriers around the world to implement the new approach. In collaboration with carriers and partners, more details about the specific models and timelines will be released soon, the report says.

Google already notifies Android manufacturers each month about potential security issues that may need addressing. Google said it will also start monthly over-the-air updates for its Nexus devices focusing on security, in addition to the usual platform updates.

The first security update rolled out 5th August, including fixes for the StageFright bug.