Latest news with #Android10
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Phone Arena
If your Android phone is still running on this version, you can forget about Chrome updates
According to a support page update, Chrome 138 will be the last version that works on Android 8 and 9. Moving forward, the browser will require Android 10 or newer. This means users with older phones won't be able to get the latest features, security patches, or performance updates unless they update their operating system. In a support article, Google said: — Google support article The company also added: — Google support article While this might be inconvenient for users on older phones, the overall impact should be limited. Based on Android version stats from April 2025, Android 9 is installed on just under 6% of devices, while Android 8 and 8.1 together account for about 4%. That adds up to around 10% of Android phones and tablets, meaning most users are already on newer software. The good news is that Chrome won't suddenly stop working on these devices. Older versions will continue to function for a while, though they will no longer be updated. Over time, users may run into compatibility issues as websites evolve and the browser becomes outdated. This move isn't too surprising when you look at the timeline. Android 8.0 (Oreo) came out in 2017, and Android 9.0 (Pie) followed in 2018. That means these versions are now 8 and 7 years old, respectively. Even Android 10.0, which is now the minimum requirement, was released in 2019, making it 6 years old. For users still on devices running Oreo or Pie, that's a long time to go without major updates, especially when it comes to something as essential as the browser. This also reflects a broader trend in tech, where software companies gradually drop support for older platforms to focus on more modern and secure versions. These companies need to be able to allocate resources properly, so support teams for older operating systems do eventually get reassigned to newer projects. For those still using devices on Android 8 or 9, now might be a good time to consider updating the OS if possible — or looking at a newer device that can keep up with future app changes. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Google Chrome to stop working on older Android devices: Last date, and other details to know
Google Chrome will stop supporting Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9.0 Pie starting with version 139, according to Chrome Support Manager Ellen T. The announcement was made on the official Chrome support forums. After this update – scheduled for release on August 5, 2025, Chrome will only work on Android 10 or newer, leaving users with older phones unable to receive further updates. 'Chrome 138 is the last version of Chrome that will support Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Android 9.0 (Pie),' Ellen wrote in the forum. While users can continue using Chrome version 138 on their Android 8 and 9 devices, they will no longer receive new features, performance improvements, or critical security updates. Over time, this could affect the browser's performance and leave devices more vulnerable to threats. To recall, Android 8.0 was first released in 2017, and Android 9.0 followed in 2018. Despite their age, these operating systems still have a notable user base. Based on Google's platform distribution data from April 2025, about 4% of Android devices run Oreo, while 5.8% use Pie. Android 10, by comparison, powers over 10% of devices. What happens to Chrome users on devices running Android 8 and 9 For users still on Android 8 or 9, one option is to keep using Chrome 138, although it's not recommended due to the lack of security updates. Another alternative is to switch to browsers like Firefox, which continues to support devices running Android 5.0 and above. However, compatibility varies across browsers, and some may not function properly on older systems. Ultimately, upgrading to a newer Android device is the most reliable solution to ensure ongoing support and security for apps like Chrome. Realme GT 7: 7000mAh Battery, 120W Charging & Flagship Power Under Rs 40K!
The Verge
6 days ago
- The Verge
Google Chrome will soon require Android 10 or later.
Google Chrome will soon require Android 10 or later. In an update on Monday, Google says Chrome 138 is the last version of the browser that will support Android 8 and Android 9, both of which were released over five years ago. The browser will continue to work on these versions, but it won't receive additional updates.
Time Business News
19-06-2025
- Time Business News
Is Your IMEI Number Linked to Your Personal Data? Let's Bust the Myths!
Online privacy is a hot topic, with many people worried about what their smartphone might be secretly revealing about them. One of the lesser-known but often misunderstood elements is the IMEI number. Could this mysterious 15-digit code reveal your personal information? Could your carrier or even hackers use it to track you? Here we sort fact from fiction and explore what your IMEI really says about you and your phone. What is an IMEI Number? IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique number assigned to each cell phone that's connected to a cellular network. Think of it as your phone's digital fingerprint- it helps carriers, police, and manufacturers identify the specific device. It's not linked with the SIM card, but with the hardware itself. The IMEI is typically 15 digits and contains: device model information, the serial number, and a specific check digit. IMEI and Personal Data – What's Actually Recorded? This is the million-dollar question: Does the IMEI number contain your personal data? Short answer: Not exactly. Your IMEI does not store: your name or surname, your number, your contact information, your location, or your message, photo, or file contents. The IMEI on its own is only a device identifier. It does not store any personal details at all. Curious what your IMEI number can reveal about your device? Run a quick IMEI Check and see what shows up. So How Does It Get Linked to an Individual? Even though the IMEI does not store personal details, it can become linked to it, most of the time under two circumstances: 1. Mobile Carriers When you buy a phone from your carrier or have a postpaid plan, your IMEI is tracked with your SIM card. Your carrier knows, for example, that SIM 123456789 is running on the device IMEI: 3589410xxxxxxxx. If you had a contract, your name, address, and other information are tied to that SIM, and secondarily, you are tied to the IMEI. That helps the carrier: to track what device you're operating on block your phone if stolen, or provide information to the police when they are inquiring. 2. Law Enforcement & Security Services The police are able to use the IMEI to track or monitor, but only with appropriate lawful authority, e.g., a court order or under special law. This is because the devices leave digital breadcrumbs when they connect to cellular towers. However, being aware of your IMEI isn't enough, tracking requires access to the carrier infrastructure and legal mechanisms. Can Apps Steal My IMEI Number? This is one thing that typically raises eyebrows. In previous Androids, apps had the ability to access IMEI without having to ask for permission. Fortunately, things have changed now. Today: Access to IMEI is restricted in Android 10 and above. Apps can only read the IMEI with your permission and if they have certain system-level privileges. and if they have certain On iOS, access to the IMEI is also extremely limited. external apps practically can't see it. So, if you're running a modern OS and only download apps from trusted sources, the risk of IMEI leakage is minimal. Can Someone Track Me Using My IMEI? Technically: Yes. Practically: Not without legal authority and tools. Tracking a device using its IMEI is possible but: it requires cooperation from your carrier, should be legally justified (e.g. life-threatening emergencies or theft), (e.g. life-threatening emergencies or theft), and not available to ordinary users or businesses. So no, no one can simply Google your IMEI and track you down. Let's set the record straight here. When Should You Be Careful? Although your IMEI is not personal data, it's still not wise to publish it. Avoid the following: posting images of your phone box on the internet with the IMEI in view, adding the IMEI to public sale notices sharing the number with strangers. Why? Because someone might: try to unlock your phone illegally act as you, or report the phone stolen, providing potentially getting it blacklisted and giving you massive headaches. Final Thoughts The IMEI number isn't a spy gadget, it's a technological identifier to prevent theft, check for counterfeits, and aid in servicing your gadget. By itself, it's not personal data. But it can be traced to you by cellular carriers or law enforcement should treat IMEI number like your license plate: not something you shouldn't tell anybody, but not something you should plaster all over the internet either. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Indian Express
Android 16 is here: Everything new in the latest update
Google has started rolling out Android 16, the latest version of the world's most popular mobile operating system. Available first on supported Pixel devices, Google says the newest Android version 'lays the foundation for our new Material 3 Expressive design' and introduces several new features that make it easier to use. In the past, Google used to name Android versions with dessert codenames, but the tech giant abandoned the tradition with Android 10. And while Android 16 is simply known as 'Android 16', Google still uses dessert names internally, with Android 16 codenamed 'Baklava'. From Live updates to Notification Cooldown, here's a quick look at what's new with Android 16. One of the biggest changes coming with Android 16 is Live Updates. Similar to iPhone's Live Activities feature, Live Updates are a new class of notifications that will help users keep an eye on important ongoing activities in real-time. In a blog post, Google says that the new feature will initially work with ride-share, navigation and food delivery apps and that it is working with app partners to extend it to the Android ecosystem, including in Samsung's Now Bar and Oppo and OnePlus' Live Alerts. However, the first stable release of Android 16 only features the new 'progress-centric' notification style, which means you will only be able to see the progress of things like a ride pickup, food delivery dropoff or distance till the next turn. And while Google has more in store for the new Live Updates features, it looks like these changes will be available with another Android 16 update or even get pushed back to Android 17. Some of these changes include Live Update in the status bar, so users can quickly check for important information without having to pull down the notification. Available on Pixel devices with the March 2025 Pixel feature Drop, Notification Cooldown is another nifty feature that will be making its way to Android 16. Designed to save users from notification spam, the functionality will automatically reduce your device volume and minimise alerts for up to two minutes when you get several notifications from the same app. With Android 16, the feature is enabled by default, but you can turn it off by heading over to Settings > Notifications. Another small but useful change coming with Android 16 is grouped notifications. The latest version of Android will now automatically group notifications from the same app, which can then be expanded with a single tap. This may not sound new, but before Android 16, notification grouping was something developers could choose to ignore, meaning you would see multiple notifications from the same app. However, the latest version of Android ditches that to offer a more streamlined experience. Inspired by Samsung DeX, Google says it has worked closely with the South Korean phone maker to develop desktop windowing. The new feature offers 'a new way to interact with your apps and content on large-screen devices.' This means users will now be able to resize multiple apps, open them in split-screen mode, similar to how one would manage windows on desktops. However, it will be rolling out to compatible devices later this year. At The Android Show, Google announced a new feature called Advanced Protection Mode that makes 'it simple to turn on an array of robust device security features.' Part of Google's Advanced Protection Program, the tech giant says the new feature lets users quickly enable important security settings across several Google apps like Messages, Chrome and Phone. Once enabled, these individual features cannot be disabled accidentally, making it harder for threat actors to gain unauthorised access to the device. In case you are wondering what these security features are, Google says Advanced Protection Mode includes intrusion logging, inactivity reboot, Google Play Protect, Android Safe Browsing, Spam and Scam Protection and Call ID and Spam. The new feature also lets users turn on other features like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, USB Protection, Unknown Apps, Memory Tagging Extension, Chrome Browsing, Javascript Protections, Unsafe Links, Automatic Call Screen and more. Anurag Chawake is a Senior Sub-Editor at His fascination with technology and computers goes back to the days of Windows 98. Since then, he has been tinkering with various operating systems, mobile phones, and other things. Anurag usually writes on a wide range of topics including Android, gaming, and PC hardware among other things related to consumer tech. His Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn user name is antechx. ... Read More
