Android device updates: Google releases April security patch, Sprint Galaxy S5 gets Marshmallow
Each week, we compile all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, Android Wear smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Making sure your device is running the latest available software is a good housekeeping practice, ensuring you have the latest features with fewer bugs and gaping security holes.
April security update: Another month, another group of bugs squashed. Google posted the Nexus Security Bulletin this week and it’s a doozy: 29 different vulnerabilities, which is much higher than normal. You can grab the factory images now or wait for the over-the-air update. These security patches are also available for other handset makers, but they usually take much longer to roll out.
Sony Smartwatch 3: This one took a while, but the Marshmallow update is finally here. Google developer advocate Wayne Piekarski says that the rollout should take a few weeks, but once it’s done developers will be able to drop support for API 22 (Lollipop) from their Wear apps. Imagine that: with phones and tablets only about four percent have the latest build of Android.
Zenfone Zoom: The camera-focused smartphones from Asus are getting a ton of improvements to, you guessed it, the cameras. Unfortunately the phone is still on Lollipop, but the release notes show improvements to the auto focus, shutter speed, and connectivity fixes.
Zenfone Laser 2: It’s a similar story here, with the release notes detailing several network enhancements and improvements to various aspects of camera performance.
Galaxy S5: To some, Samsung may be earning a failing grade when it comes to app updates, but at least you’ll be happy to finally have Marshmallow if this is your phone. Sprint says an over-the-air update has begun, which will finally bring Doze, Google Now on Tap, and all the other cool features to your tried-and-true GS5.