From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android



I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris".
This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109€.
Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio.

There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security
updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device
might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year
later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.


What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?


I'm tempted to return the "gift" (it is 0.5€/month during 48 months).
They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but the no security
patches and old Android worries me.
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris".
This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109€. Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio.

There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.

What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

Sounds like standard Android. Devices ship with only a couple of years of security updates, if that, and then get abandoned. It's especially a
problem on cheaper devices whose MediaTek SoCs tend to have shorter
lifetimes.

Also, something less well publicised is Google are messing with the patch
dates to cover this up. For my OS:

"All of the Android 16 security patches from the current May 2026, June
2026, July 2026, August 2026, September 2026 and October 2026 Android
Security Bulletins are included in the 2026040601 security preview release."

So Google have issued patches for releases 6 months in the future. If the vulnerability is known about now, why is it not going to be patched for 6 months? Is it so that releases look more recent than they actually
are?

Theo
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Theo wrote:

What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

Sounds like standard Android. Devices ship with only a couple of years of security updates, if that, and then get abandoned. It's especially a
problem on cheaper devices whose MediaTek SoCs tend to have shorter lifetimes.

Agree for the most part, although project mainline helps with some updates.
I'm on Windows 10 and I'm not worried.
I'm on Android 13 and out of security and I'm not worried.

Life has risks.

I don't have insurance on my phone for exampoe, and I'm not worried.
I don't have insurance other than liability on my car too.

Drink the water from the stream.
It's refreshing to be free of fear.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris".
This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109?.
Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio.

There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

Where and how do you get this warning? (Screenshot? Google search on
the exact message? Etc..)

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.

What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

My wife's Samsung Galaxy A51 also has Android 13, with 'Android
security patch level' of August 1, 2023. That device gets no warning, so
that does not explain why your two devices with higher security patch
level do get this warning

Have you checked the 'Google Play system update' levels of these
devices? My wife's is February 1, 2026 (but only after doing a manual
check for updates (tap the 'Google Play system update' message) and
doing a 'Restart now) (BTW, there's another update, but I won't do a
restart now.)

I'm tempted to return the "gift" (it is 0.5?/month during 48 months).
They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but the no security
patches and old Android worries me.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 09.04.26 12:56, Carlos E.R. wrote:

I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris".
This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109€. Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio.

There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.

What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

All your devices are out of support. Typical Android crap from third
party suppliers.

My recommendation: Don't do any financial transactions with any of your devices.

I'm tempted to return the "gift" (it is 0.5€/month during 48 months).
They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but the no security
patches and old Android worries me.

You get what you pay for.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 4/9/26 3:56 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris".
This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109€. >Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio.

There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security >updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device >might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year >later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.

What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

In Software Updates my 6 year old Samsung Galaxy S10+ (Android 12) says
"you're all set!" with a green checkmark in a green circle next to it. Just
above it says last updated June 1, 2024. So I guess it thinks it's good to
go - no security warnings like yours. But Google's latest update is March
2026 and wanting me to try out a bunch of new stuff. So who knows how safe
it is? I don't keep any sensitive stuff on it anymore. Paranoia?

I'm tempted to return the "gift" (it is 0.5€/month during 48 months).
They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but the no security
patches and old Android worries me.

I'm posting with an Amazon Fire 10" tablet that I've sideloaded the Google
Play Store from which I've downloaded a bunch of Android apps unavailable
in the Amazon AppStore including this newsreader. The Fire OS is up to date
as is the Google stuff. Is it safe? Who knows. There's no sensitive stuff
on this thing either...


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> Wrote in message:

On 4/9/26 3:56 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris". >>This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109€. >>Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio.

There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security >>updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device >>might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year >>later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.


What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

In Software Updates my 6 year old Samsung Galaxy S10+ (Android 12) says
"you're all set!" with a green checkmark in a green circle next to it. Just
above it says last updated June 1, 2024. So I guess it thinks it's good to
go - no security warnings like yours. But Google's latest update is March
2026 and wanting me to try out a bunch of new stuff. So who knows how safe
it is? I don't keep any sensitive stuff on it anymore. Paranoia?

No warnings or reassuring messages on this Samsung GT S6 Lite -
original version - which was released in April 2020 when I got
it. It has Android 13. The latest security update was May 2025 -
that's 3 years from when it was last on sale.

I was surprised to get the 2025 update - I thought it was already
out of support. Maybe it will surprise me again this May. I've
never used it for banking and suchlike.

I'm tempted to return the "gift" (it is 0.5€/month during 48 months). >>They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but the no security
patches and old Android worries me.

I'm posting with an Amazon Fire 10" tablet that I've sideloaded the Google
Play Store from which I've downloaded a bunch of Android apps unavailable
in the Amazon AppStore including this newsreader. The Fire OS is up to date
as is the Google stuff. Is it safe? Who knows. There's no sensitive stuff
on this thing either...

--
Remove numerics from my email address.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-09 16:27, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris".
This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109?.
Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio. >>
There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security
updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device
might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

Where and how do you get this warning? (Screenshot? Google search on
the exact message? Etc..)

Hold on, I'll upload it. But it is in Spanish.
Setup cogwheel, security and Privacy (application security, device lock, permissions).

<https://photos.app.goo.gl/KbKzS1RZ1KdLzho28>

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year
later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.


What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

My wife's Samsung Galaxy A51 also has Android 13, with 'Android
security patch level' of August 1, 2023. That device gets no warning, so
that does not explain why your two devices with higher security patch
level do get this warning

Have you checked the 'Google Play system update' levels of these
devices? My wife's is February 1, 2026 (but only after doing a manual
check for updates (tap the 'Google Play system update' message) and
doing a 'Restart now) (BTW, there's another update, but I won't do a
restart now.)

Where is that? I don't remember, and this tablet is in Spanish. Google
Play says all apps are updated hours ago.

I'm tempted to return the "gift" (it is 0.5?/month during 48 months).
They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but the no security
patches and old Android worries me.

--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 4/9/2026 5:18 AM, Maria Sophia wrote:

Theo wrote:

Sounds like standard Android. Devices ship with only a couple of
years of security updates, if that, and then get abandoned. It's
especially a problem on cheaper devices whose MediaTek SoCs tend
to have shorter lifetimes.

Agree for the most part, although project mainline helps with some
updates.

I'm on Windows 10 and I'm not worried. I'm on Android 13 and out of
security and I'm not worried.

Would you keep your life savings of say US $100,000+ in bank
account apps or browsers on a poorly secured device?

Life has risks.

Many try to reduce those risks to a minimum. Not you?

I don't have insurance on my phone for example, and I'm not worried.

Me neither. My 6 year old phone is worth zip.

I don't have insurance other than liability on my car too.

Depends on the value of your car if that's a wise decision. Do
you keep only liability insurance on your house too?

Drink the water from the stream. It's refreshing to be free of fear.

Taking reasonable security precautions is wise IMO not fear. Further
failure to secure sensitive info apps/sites can lead to a breach
bringing real nightmares. Fear is good...


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL wrote:

I don't have insurance other than liability on my car too.

Depends on the value of your car if that's a wise decision. Do
you keep only liability insurance on your house too?

I've said many times that, since my mortgage was paid, I've had no
insurance on the house. Life has risks. I live on the fault line in the
highest fire danger zone in California. And that's saying something.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-10 09:06, AJL wrote:

On 4/9/2026 5:18 AM, Maria Sophia wrote:

Theo wrote:

Sounds like standard Android.  Devices ship with only a couple of
years of security updates, if that, and then get abandoned.  It's
especially a problem on cheaper devices whose MediaTek SoCs tend
to have shorter lifetimes.

Agree for the most part, although project mainline helps with some
updates.

I'm on Windows 10 and I'm not worried. I'm on Android 13 and out of
security and I'm not worried.

Would you keep your life savings of say US $100,000+ in bank
account apps or browsers on a poorly secured device?

Life has risks.

Many try to reduce those risks to a minimum. Not you?

I don't have insurance on my phone for example, and I'm not worried.

Me neither. My 6 year old phone is worth zip.

I don't have insurance other than liability on my car too.

Depends on the value of your car if that's a wise decision. Do
you keep only liability insurance on your house too?

Drink the water from the stream. It's refreshing to be free of fear.

Taking reasonable security precautions is wise IMO not fear. Further
failure to secure sensitive info apps/sites can lead to a breach
bringing real nightmares. Fear is good...

Reasonable fear keeps us safe. That's its purpose.


Returning to the OP matter, the thing is that a new Android device has
no security updates since two years ago. A new device, not an old
device. It is already old when acquired.
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-09 16:27, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris".
This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109?.
Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio. >>
There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security
updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device >> might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

Where and how do you get this warning? (Screenshot? Google search on
the exact message? Etc..)

Hold on, I'll upload it. But it is in Spanish.
Setup cogwheel, security and Privacy (application security, device lock, permissions).

<https://photos.app.goo.gl/KbKzS1RZ1KdLzho28>

On my wife's Samsung phone, I do not get a message, but do get an
orange exclamation mark under Settings -> Security and privacy ->
Updates -> tap to open ->

"Security update
August 1, 2023 !"

But that is normal, because the last Security update was nearly 3
years ago.

If I tap the 'Security update' update, it checks for a (system)
'Software update' and says "Your software is up to date.".

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year
later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.


What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

My wife's Samsung Galaxy A51 also has Android 13, with 'Android
security patch level' of August 1, 2023. That device gets no warning, so that does not explain why your two devices with higher security patch
level do get this warning

Have you checked the 'Google Play system update' levels of these devices? My wife's is February 1, 2026 (but only after doing a manual
check for updates (tap the 'Google Play system update' message) and
doing a 'Restart now) (BTW, there's another update, but I won't do a restart now.)

Where is that? I don't remember, and this tablet is in Spanish. Google
Play says all apps are updated hours ago.

It's not about *app* updates, but about Google Play *system* updates.
Note the lower case leading 's' in 'system. *Not* 'Google Play System
update', i.e. and update to the Google Play System, but Google Play
system update', i.e. a *system* update, provided by the Google Play
mechanism.

As to where:

Settings -> About phone -> Software information -> Google Play system
update

It will list the current system update. Tap the message to check for
newer updates and if found, follow the prompts, i.e. 'Restart now'.

As said, this is on a Samsung phone, but AFAIK, this part is standard
on Android.

I'm tempted to return the "gift" (it is 0.5?/month during 48 months).
They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but the no security
patches and old Android worries me.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-10 12:07, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-09 16:27, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

I was "gifted" by my ISP a tablet, a "Acer Sospiro AS10WF 128 GB Gris". >>>> This one: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCG9SRLN>. Street price 109?.
Android 14. No GPS chip, no NFC, no phone. Surprise, has working FM radio. >>>>
There is a security issue. The device, in the security section, says
that the device might be at risk. If I tell it to search for security
updates, it says there are none, that I have the latest. The last
applied security patch is from June 5, 2024.

I looked at my phone. Motorola G52, Android 13. Same warning, the device >>>> might be at risk. No security updates in 13 months, March 1, 2025.

Where and how do you get this warning? (Screenshot? Google search on >>> the exact message? Etc..)

Hold on, I'll upload it. But it is in Spanish.
Setup cogwheel, security and Privacy (application security, device lock,
permissions).

<https://photos.app.goo.gl/KbKzS1RZ1KdLzho28>

On my wife's Samsung phone, I do not get a message, but do get an
orange exclamation mark under Settings -> Security and privacy ->
Updates -> tap to open ->

"Security update
August 1, 2023 !"

But that is normal, because the last Security update was nearly 3
years ago.

If I tap the 'Security update' update, it checks for a (system)
'Software update' and says "Your software is up to date.".

Yes, but the meaning of this is that the maker has not provided any more recent update, not that you do not need security updates. Google is
generating them every month, but the brand, the maker of the device, has
not made them available to us.

I have another phone, Motorola G62 5G, Android 13 (bought about a year >>>> later). No security warning, but last update July 1, 2025.


What's up with the security updates? Is the same happening to you?

My wife's Samsung Galaxy A51 also has Android 13, with 'Android
security patch level' of August 1, 2023. That device gets no warning, so >>> that does not explain why your two devices with higher security patch
level do get this warning

Have you checked the 'Google Play system update' levels of these
devices? My wife's is February 1, 2026 (but only after doing a manual
check for updates (tap the 'Google Play system update' message) and
doing a 'Restart now) (BTW, there's another update, but I won't do a
restart now.)

Where is that? I don't remember, and this tablet is in Spanish. Google
Play says all apps are updated hours ago.

It's not about *app* updates, but about Google Play *system* updates.
Note the lower case leading 's' in 'system. *Not* 'Google Play System update', i.e. and update to the Google Play System, but Google Play
system update', i.e. a *system* update, provided by the Google Play mechanism.

As to where:

Settings -> About phone -> Software information -> Google Play system update

I do not have "Software information" there. I have "Android version",
and in there it says "security update, June 4, 2024". Tapping opens a
browser to <https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin?hl=es-419>

I also have "update of the Google Play system", "June 1, 2023". Tapping
does nothing. I think you mean this one.

It will list the current system update. Tap the message to check for
newer updates and if found, follow the prompts, i.e. 'Restart now'.

As said, this is on a Samsung phone, but AFAIK, this part is standard
on Android.

I'm tempted to return the "gift" (it is 0.5?/month during 48 months).
They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but the no security
patches and old Android worries me.

--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 10.04.26 14:28, Carlos E.R. wrote:

Yes, but the meaning of this is that the maker has not provided any more recent update, not that you do not need security updates. Google is generating them every month, but the brand, the maker of the device, has
not made them available to us.

As I said: This is the real world of Google Android. Completely unknown
to iPhone-users.

And you get what you pay for.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 4/10/26 1:36 AM, Maria Sophia wrote:

AJL wrote:

I don't have insurance other than liability on my car too.

Depends on the value of your car if that's a wise decision. Do
you keep only liability insurance on your house too?

I've said many times that, since my mortgage was paid, I've had no
insurance on the house.

I paid cash for my house over 20 years ago. If it burns down I'll need to
buy another so I do keep up the insurance.

Life has risks. I live on the fault line in the
highest fire danger zone in California. And that's saying something.

I live in a gated community with fake lakes, a club house, and a golf
course. Probably not the fire danger you have so I expect my insurance may
be a bit cheaper than yours would be. Bottom line: As always YMMV...




--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Returning to the OP matter, the thing is that a new Android device has
no security updates since two years ago. A new device, not an old
device. It is already old when acquired.

Hi Carlos,

I apologize as I haven't been following the thread closely, so I apologize
if someone already looked up the error message for you to outline exactly
what it means.

Looking it up, that warning apparently likely appears when your Android security patch level is older than Google's current monthly bulletin,
although I did see a reference that says it appears if the security patch
it older than 6 months, so I'm not quite sure which triggered the message.

Android security patch levels are controlled by the manufacturer (OEM).
Monthly updates are controlled by Google.
Stock:
Settings > Security > Google Play system update.
Samsung:
Settings > About phone > Software information > Google Play system update

So they might quite frequently be out of sync.

That's easy to happen to anyone, since Android security patch updates are "slow" compared to the monthly Google Play system updates (Proj. Mainline).

For example, my Google Play system update is stuck on June 1, 2023 even
though my last security update shows up as "SMR Feb-2025 Release 1".

Bear in mind that Google Play Protect is also still protecting your device.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 4/10/26 2:36 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-04-10 09:06, AJL wrote:

Taking reasonable security precautions is wise IMO not fear. Further
failure to secure sensitive info apps/sites can lead to a breach
bringing real nightmares. Fear is good...

Reasonable fear keeps us safe. That's its purpose.

Returning to the OP matter, the thing is that a new Android device has
no security updates since two years ago. A new device, not an old
device. It is already old when acquired.

I keep one device for my sensitive stuff: My Chromebook which Google keeps
up to date and has 5 years left on its AUE which IMO is the most secure
device I own. I use my other devices (toys) that may not be as safe (like
this Play Store modified Fire Tablet) for most everything else. You might
try doing something like that and just enjoy your new tablet...


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-10 09:06, AJL wrote:

On 4/9/2026 5:18 AM, Maria Sophia wrote:

Theo wrote:

Sounds like standard Android.  Devices ship with only a couple of
years of security updates, if that, and then get abandoned.  It's
especially a problem on cheaper devices whose MediaTek SoCs tend
to have shorter lifetimes.

Agree for the most part, although project mainline helps with some
updates.

I'm on Windows 10 and I'm not worried. I'm on Android 13 and out of
security and I'm not worried.

Would you keep your life savings of say US $100,000+ in bank
account apps or browsers on a poorly secured device?

Life has risks.

Many try to reduce those risks to a minimum. Not you?

I don't have insurance on my phone for example, and I'm not worried.

Me neither. My 6 year old phone is worth zip.

I don't have insurance other than liability on my car too.

Depends on the value of your car if that's a wise decision. Do
you keep only liability insurance on your house too?

Drink the water from the stream. It's refreshing to be free of fear.

Taking reasonable security precautions is wise IMO not fear. Further
failure to secure sensitive info apps/sites can lead to a breach
bringing real nightmares. Fear is good...

Reasonable fear keeps us safe. That's its purpose.

Returning to the OP matter, the thing is that a new Android device has
no security updates since two years ago. A new device, not an old
device. It is already old when acquired.

It's new to you, but definitely something that was manufactured a long time ago.

It doesn't even exist on Acer's own website, so must have been an OEM
product made to order which didn't sell and is now being given away.

Send it back.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-10 12:07, Frank Slootweg wrote:

[...]

On my wife's Samsung phone, I do not get a message, but do get an
orange exclamation mark under Settings -> Security and privacy ->
Updates -> tap to open ->

"Security update
August 1, 2023 !"

But that is normal, because the last Security update was nearly 3
years ago.

If I tap the 'Security update' update, it checks for a (system) 'Software update' and says "Your software is up to date.".

Yes, but the meaning of this is that the maker has not provided any more recent update, not that you do not need security updates. Google is generating them every month, but the brand, the maker of the device, has
not made them available to us.

True, but that's the fact of life with Android devices (and other
OSs). For a phone bought in August 2020, that is to be expected. These
days it's a bit better, probably 5 years of updates, instead of 3.

Have you checked the 'Google Play system update' levels of these
devices? My wife's is February 1, 2026 (but only after doing a manual
check for updates (tap the 'Google Play system update' message) and
doing a 'Restart now) (BTW, there's another update, but I won't do a
restart now.)

Where is that? I don't remember, and this tablet is in Spanish. Google
Play says all apps are updated hours ago.

It's not about *app* updates, but about Google Play *system* updates. Note the lower case leading 's' in 'system. *Not* 'Google Play System update', i.e. and update to the Google Play System, but Google Play
system update', i.e. a *system* update, provided by the Google Play mechanism.

As to where:

Settings -> About phone -> Software information -> Google Play system update

I do not have "Software information" there. I have "Android version",
and in there it says "security update, June 4, 2024". Tapping opens a browser to <https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin?hl=es-419>

I also have "update of the Google Play system", "June 1, 2023". Tapping
does nothing. I think you mean this one.

Yes, but June 1, 2023 is way too old. As I said, my wife's
out-of-support Samsung phone does no longer get Android system/
security updates from *Samsung*, but it still gets Google Play system
updates from *Google* (as mentioned, as recent as February 1, 2026).

I can't help you with how to check for and install Google Play system
updates on your devices. Check on your devices for anything related to
Google and Google Play.

On a Samsung phone you can search in Settings. Searching on 'Google'
finds the setting I mentioned. Hopefully your devices also have a search function in Settings.

It will list the current system update. Tap the message to check for newer updates and if found, follow the prompts, i.e. 'Restart now'.

As said, this is on a Samsung phone, but AFAIK, this part is standard
on Android.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL wrote:

I've said many times that, since my mortgage was paid, I've had no >>insurance on the house.

I paid cash for my house over 20 years ago. If it burns down I'll need to
buy another so I do keep up the insurance.

Life has risks. I live on the fault line in the
highest fire danger zone in California. And that's saying something.

I live in a gated community with fake lakes, a club house, and a golf
course. Probably not the fire danger you have so I expect my insurance may
be a bit cheaper than yours would be. Bottom line: As always YMMV...

I agree with you.

I never disagree with anyone who makes logically sensible arguments.

Everything depends on four things in insurance:
1. What is our risk tolerance (we make that assessment ourselves)
2. What is our risk assessment (the company makes that assessment)
3. How much does it cost (versus what it costs to replace)
4. Can you afford to replace it if all of a sudden, you needed to

Notice that this starts with fear and it ends with whether or not you can replace it. Everyone is different on fear more than on anything else.

Actually everyone is different in all those when it comes to insurance for their vehicles or homes (or their phones, or their cat, or their kids).

You live in a safe community; so do I.
They have to drive a hundred miles just to get to me.
And then they have to drive back those hundred miles since there's no loop.
And they have to deal with the gates too (although mine is often open).

You live in a normal fire-danger area so your fire insurance is affordable.
You can't be in a higher fire danger area than where I live in California.
And, as you know, California's weather is all about fire danger anyway.
So, naturally, insurance companies do not want to insure for fire danger.
So the insurance is upwards of twenty-five thousand dollars a year for it.

You live in a normal earthquake-and-flood-danger area most likely.
So, I guess you can get those catastrophic insurance policies cheaply.

Me? Nobody can be in a higher earthquake danger zone in the USA than I am. Flood? That's not gonna happen unless Noah's Ark is scheduled for a visit.
But Earthquake. Oh my. Every day there are a few earthquakes but most can't
be felt but we had a 4.6 just last week that we could easily feel.
Suffice to say nobody has earthquake insurance as it's $100K/year alone.

Cars?
Everyone must have liability, so I have that.
But nothing else. It's just a car. I can replace it.
Insurance is never worth it for things you can replace.

Phones?
It's nuts to play for insurance in my book, but I know many others
do pay for it, so as you said (and as I agree), YMMV.


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-10 12:07, Frank Slootweg wrote:

[...]

On my wife's Samsung phone, I do not get a message, but do get an
orange exclamation mark under Settings -> Security and privacy ->
Updates -> tap to open ->

"Security update
August 1, 2023 !"

But that is normal, because the last Security update was nearly 3
years ago.

If I tap the 'Security update' update, it checks for a (system)
'Software update' and says "Your software is up to date.".

Yes, but the meaning of this is that the maker has not provided any more
recent update, not that you do not need security updates. Google is
generating them every month, but the brand, the maker of the device, has
not made them available to us.

True, but that's the fact of life with Android devices (and other
OSs). For a phone bought in August 2020, that is to be expected. These
days it's a bit better, probably 5 years of updates, instead of 3.

I agree with anyone who makes a logically defensible statement, where every
OS has its flaws when it comes to updating the phone for security.

In the case of iOS, for example, it's horrid that Apple just drops the operating system off the cliff the instant a new iOS release ships.

Same for macOS. Apple has always instantly dropped full support hotfixes
for any major release the very instant that the new major release ships.

Android doesn't do that, and, in fact, when we look at today's promises of support, Android competitors to the iPhone (mostly Samsung S series, but
Google Pixel too, although it's not usually considered a competitor)
promised the UK regulators 7 years of support and 7 updates while Apple can only promise five years for today's iPhones.

On the Apple iPhone newsgroup we listed the full support dates for *all* iPhones ever made, where this is the summary based on very detailed data.

The average iOS SOFTWARE support (this is per release only!)
a. Sum = 25.52 years (for completed versions)
b. Count = 16 versions (have completed)
c. Average = 26.14 / 18 = 1.59 years

As for the iOS HARDWARE full-security-updates (AFAIK)
a. Longest full iOS support: 6.99 years (iPhone XS / XS Max)
b. Shortest full iOS support: 2.37 years (iPhone 3G)
c. Average full iOS support: 5.10 years

We did NOT run those numbers for Android phones though, as Android defines "full support" differently than Apple does so it's easier to collect this
data for iPhone because Apple's support is binary.
*The instant a new release ships, Apple drops full support for the old*

For Samsung & Google, the 7 years of "support" is confusing to me because
I'm not sure if that's "full" support or just "support" which is different.

To give an example of the difference between "support" and "full support"
1. Windows XP was released on October 25, 2001
2. The last known security update was released on May 14, 2019
3. That is 6,421 days, or 17.59 years of security updates after release

Have you checked the 'Google Play system update' levels of these >>>>> devices? My wife's is February 1, 2026 (but only after doing a manual >>>>> check for updates (tap the 'Google Play system update' message) and
doing a 'Restart now) (BTW, there's another update, but I won't do a >>>>> restart now.)

Where is that? I don't remember, and this tablet is in Spanish. Google >>>> Play says all apps are updated hours ago.

It's not about *app* updates, but about Google Play *system* updates. >>> Note the lower case leading 's' in 'system. *Not* 'Google Play System
update', i.e. and update to the Google Play System, but Google Play
system update', i.e. a *system* update, provided by the Google Play
mechanism.

As to where:

Settings -> About phone -> Software information -> Google Play system >>> update

I do not have "Software information" there. I have "Android version",
and in there it says "security update, June 4, 2024". Tapping opens a
browser to <https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin?hl=es-419>

I also have "update of the Google Play system", "June 1, 2023". Tapping
does nothing. I think you mean this one.

Yes, but June 1, 2023 is way too old. As I said, my wife's
out-of-support Samsung phone does no longer get Android system/
security updates from *Samsung*, but it still gets Google Play system
updates from *Google* (as mentioned, as recent as February 1, 2026).

I can't help you with how to check for and install Google Play system updates on your devices. Check on your devices for anything related to
Google and Google Play.

On a Samsung phone you can search in Settings. Searching on 'Google'
finds the setting I mentioned. Hopefully your devices also have a search function in Settings.

Frank is correct that the Google Play system update should, as far as I am aware, update any Android 10+ phone for core modules, forever (AFAIK).

For some reason, almost certainly self inflicted, I can't get my Google
Play system update date to change but for most people, once they manually
hit the switch and reboot, core modules should be updated every month.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Maria Sophia wrote:

For Samsung & Google, the 7 years of "support" is confusing to me because
I'm not sure if that's "full" support or just "support" which is different.

Since it's somewhat off topic for this thread, I opened a separate thread
on what constitutes "full support" on Android, where we may as well start
with Samsung's promise of 7 years & 7 updates for new S-Series devices.

Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: What is the reality of the Samsung 7-years of S-series support?
Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:39:49 -0700
Message-ID: <10rhvj6$1c3i$1@nnrp.usenet.blueworldhosting.com>

Note that we have dozens of threads like that on the iOS newsgroup where we nailed down the "full support" of iOS and macOS devices in Apple's history.

The truth is it's a *lot* shorter than most people claim it is.
The reason is most people think fixing a random bug is full support.

It's not.
By that definition, Windows XP was fully supported for almost 18 years.
It wasn't.

At the very least, "full support" means every known vulnerability is fixed.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2