Stagefright bug: Samsung, LG and Google to offer Android security updates
It was recently revealed that South Korean company Samsung Electronics is planning to join forces with LG Electronics and search engine giant Google in order to provide consumers with security updates every month. These security updates will be available to smartphones that run on the Android mobile operating system (OS).
According to CBR Online, the move comes after recent revelations in regards to the "Stagefright bug", which exposed about 950 million or reportedly 95% of Android devices.
According to CBR Online, Dong Jin Koh, executive vice president and head of Samsung's IT and mobile communications division, said in regards to the company's plan, "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," Jin Koh continued.
"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," he further appended.
In a statement from Google posted earlier this month, it was announced that the search engine leader plans to provide security updates to its Nexus smartphone devices, beginning with the Nexus 4. Google added that it intends to release security updates for each new devices for up to three years only.
The Verge indicated that the new move is similar to Microsoft's security patches for its Windows OS. Also, Samsung added that it is now in talks with international service providers in order to carry out the new process.
Other news include plan by Samsung and Apple Inc. to develop a new electronic subscriber identity module (e-SIM) technology standard in cooperation with international carriers as well. This move is expected to allow mobile consumers to switch between carriers without replacing traditional SIM cards. Earlier reports say the new e-SIM solution could take effect sometime next year.
