I suspect it was the Covid-19 Notification process that was added to Google Play Service recently. I think all supported phones are getting this update. My Huawei was updated a few days ago, and was rebooted.
More discussion about it here.
https://androidforums.com/threads/covid-19-tracking-in-google-play-services.1325039/
At first, I didn't understand what you meant. So I read your link but still didn't know what a COVID19 app was and it wasn't listed on my phone. Then I went back to "Settings" and found a reference to COVID19 under Google. It is a very strange concept to have your phone tell you if you have been close to an infected person. It is completely voluntary, so I really cannot complain but strange. And because it's voluntary, it's really worthless. (I am NOT saying it should be mandatory) Just very, very strange.I suspect it was the Covid-19 Notification process that was added to Google Play Service recently. I think all supported phones are getting this update. My Huawei was updated a few days ago, and was rebooted.
More discussion about it here.
https://androidforums.com/threads/covid-19-tracking-in-google-play-services.1325039/
But why are we getting all these updates without being asked or even notified?
At first, I didn't understand what you meant. So I read your link but still didn't know what a COVID19 app was and it wasn't listed on my phone. Then I went back to "Settings" and found a reference to COVID19 under Google. It is a very strange concept to have your phone tell you if you have been close to an infected person. It is completely voluntary, so I really cannot complain but strange. And because it's voluntary, it's really worthless. (I am NOT saying it should be mandatory) Just very, very strange.
There is a provision in Android for updates to be pushed through, and can't be refused. My Huawei only had this Covid-19 one. In over ten years of using Android devices, I've only seen a mandatory update(without been asked) been used once before, and that was a Samsung Galaxy NOTE7, the phone that was recalled, and the update was to neuter charging. The NOTE7 update was a very important/high priority one, and I guess the Covid-19 updates is considered very important/high priority as well.
BTW iPhones have got a mandatory Covid-19 notification update as well. As Apple and Google worked together on this.
The only thing wrong with that is I've gotten 3 forced updates since the 13th and 2 others a few months ago. And I just don't like things being downloaded on my phone without my permission.
I only had the one Covid-19 update last week that was pushed out by Google. But forced updates can be also pushed by the manufacturer of your phone, and your carrier if you have a locked carrier version phone. I've read several reports on AF of forced updates with carrier version phones in the US, like phones supplied by Verizon. With users howling about it. like "I woke up and found my phone had rebooted with an update. I'm not happy about this!!"
I have only had this happen once before with an Android device, and that was forced updates for a Samsung Galaxy NOTE7, and those were well publicised at the time.
The virus will be a thing of the past, soon, but Google's invasive spying will linger on forever.
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I believe it is an API was added to Google Play Service, so that voluntary user installed Covid19 notification and tracking apps can work.
FWIW we have a Covid-19 tracking app in China. While it is voluntary, however if you don't use it and you can't show a green QR-code, it means you can't use public transport, or are refused access to shopping malls, etc.
And that is exactly why I am ARMED EVERYWHERE I GO. NO ONE IS GOUNG TO MAKE ME CARE ABOUT HEALTH AT ALL.
It all depends on your carrier and where you're located. It seems like Asia gets the updates first. But don't be too sad that you haven't received it yet. It has messed up more than it helped. If you depend on apps that use alarms, you could be in for trouble.I got an update earlier today (v20f), for the South African variant. It's the May security patch.
Still patiently waiting for Android 10.
Yeah, we're usually pretty delayed with our updates. I really just want native dark mode and fullscreen gestures. I'll keep waiting though; hopefully by the time I get the update, the bugs will be fixed.It all depends on your carrier and where you're located. It seems like Asia gets the updates first. But don't be too sad that you haven't received it yet. It has messed up more than it helped. If you depend on apps that use alarms, you could be in for trouble.
Yeah, we're usually pretty delayed with our updates. I really just want native dark mode and fullscreen gestures. I'll keep waiting though; hopefully by the time I get the update, the bugs will be fixed.
Thanks Pit. That is an issue. But the thing that bothers me the most is the button bar on the bottom. I don't like the hollow buttons and that the bar changes color depending on the app. I'm not sure why because it should bother me that much but it does.Check the individual apps, Mark. I've been able to overwrite the dark mode on a few of them.
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