Sony Starts Rolling Out February Android Security Update Ahead of Google Pixel Phones

Sony has earned itself some bragging rights as the Japan-based company has started rolling out the February Android security update to its Xperia devices, even ahead of Google's own Pixel smartphones. Google makes its security patch available to the OEMs every month with bug fixes and security improvements to the Android build but this time around Sony has definitely surprised the industry with its speed of rolling out the update.

The Japanese consumer electronics giant has started rolling out the firmware update, with build number 39.2.A.0.417, for the Xperia XZ and X Performance, which includes Google's February Android security update, Xperia Blog said in its report. Additionally, Xperia X and X Compact have received the February patch as well with their latest update (build 34.2.A.0.311).

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Usually it's the Nexus or Pixel smartphones that get the update first due the backing provided by Google but this time around, Sony has made a strong statement by rolling out its update this early in the month.

Considering that there have been several vulnerabilities associated with Android that have been exposed by security firms and researchers in last few months, this can be seen as a welcome change from the company. Notably, the search giant earlier fixed the "Dirty COW" vulnerability with its December Android security update.

Google has previously encouraged OEMs to push out the security updates in a timely manner in order to keep the devices secure and updated.