Earlier this month, Google made a significant announcement, revealing that Chrome version 119 for Android would mark the conclusion of support for smartphones operating on Android 7 (Nougat) and earlier versions.
Read on to find out all the details!
Google Drops Support For Android 7.1 or Below; Cites Security Concerns
This announcement had repercussions for both Chrome desktop and Chrome for Android. Consequently, users discovered that Chrome 120 would no longer be compatible with Android Nougat or any preceding versions.
Building on this decision, Google has chosen to extend a similar strategy to Google Calendar, a widely utilized application that plays a pivotal role in helping millions of people organize their daily lives, facilitating activities such as scheduling meetings, taking notes, and planning events.
Privacy and Security Concerns in Google Calendar
The decision to discontinue support for older Android versions is primarily driven by concerns related to privacy and security. Google is actively working to ensure the safety of its users, recognizing that outdated Android versions are more susceptible to cyber threats, including hacking and data theft.
In the latest release of the Google Calendar app (v2023.46.0-581792699-release), a noteworthy addition is the introduction of a new flag labeled “UnsupportedOperatingSystem__enabled.” This specific flag serves the purpose of displaying a message to users whose devices operate on unsupported systems, explicitly stating that in order to continue using Google Calendar, their devices must be upgraded to Android 8 (Oreo) or a more recent version.
Moreover, beyond the security considerations, the more recent iterations of the software come equipped with a plethora of new features and enhancements that were not available in earlier Android versions. Recognizing this, Google is actively urging and encouraging its user base to update their devices to the latest Android version.
This not only ensures a more enriched user experience but also provides an additional layer of security against potential vulnerabilities associated with older operating systems. This concerted effort aligns with Google’s commitment to keeping its users informed, protected, and equipped with the latest technological advancements.
