Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, Galaxy A8 & More Getting October Security Update
A number of Samsung smartphones are getting the latest security update including the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. According to a recent report from GSM Arena, the October security patch is now available for the 2016 flagship devices, particularly for the unlocked units in select European countries.
The English-translated report from Dutch website Galaxy Club shared that the S7 and S7 Edge update is now hitting unbranded units in Germany, bumping the firmware to version XXS1BPJ1. Those in Netherlands eager to receive the security update on their S7 device can expect to receive it soon, the post also noted.
The screenshots posted on the publication noted that the firmware’s build date is October 5. Google brought in 68 major and minor fixes for the Android OS while Samsung also made its own additions, seven Galaxy-improvements to be exact. It should be noted though that not all the enhancements made by Samsung apply to the S7 Edge.
In addition to the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, the October security patch has begun hitting other Galaxy models, too. A post from The Android Soul last week revealed that the security update for Samsung Galaxy A8 as well as for the Core Prime and J7 Prime has already started rolling out. The latest firmware brings the devices to October 1 (2016-10-01) security level, with the following build numbers: A800IXXU2BPJ1 for Samsung Galaxy A8, G610FDDU1APJ1 for Galaxy J7 Prime, and G610FDDU1APJ1 for Galaxy Core Prime.
Those who wish to install the respective security enhancements for Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, A8, J7 Prime, and Core Prime can access the firmware through Over-The-Air or OTA process. An automatic notification should pop up informing that an update is ready for the device. It is also possible to manually check the availability of the firmware by heading to the smartphone’s Settings menu. Look for the About Device option and select Software Updates. Lastly, tap the Check for Updates option for the system to start searching for an available firmware update. Simply follow the on-screen prompts that will appear to commence with the download and installation process.
Take note, however, that like all the cases of OTA rollouts, it may take a bit longer for other Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, A8, J7 Prime, and Core Prime units to receive the firmware as it is being released in stages. The Samsung Smart Switch tool can also be used for the firmware update but connecting the smartphone to a PC is required.
Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are still waiting for a major firmware update, the Android 7.0 Nougat OS. It is Google’s latest mobile operating system set to bring new features such as the multi-window support, improved Doze mode for longer and more efficient battery use, Instant Apps that allows using and testing mobile applications while in Google Play store, and more.
The specific release date for Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge’s Android 7.0 Nougat update is still unknown but a previous report from the Inquisitr noted that it has been in testing already, based on Geekbench listings that appeared online. They show Android 7.0 Nougat as the OS listed for SM-G930F and SM-G935F, which are the model numbers of Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, respectively.
Android 7.0 Nougat update will not only roll out to Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, but it is also coming to previous Galaxy flagship models including the Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus, and Samsung Galaxy Note 5. The South Korean tech giant’s high-end and mid-range smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A8 and other models from the Galaxy A-series (A9, A Pro, A7 2015, A7 2016 and A5) are expected to receive the Nougat build, as well.
[Featured Image by David Ramos/Getty Images]
