Google releases December Android security patch for Pixel and Nexus devices

Today Google is releasing the December Android security patch for Pixel and Nexus devices, and detailed the number of issues the update is set to fix. Besides the security improvements, the update is also expected to fix RAM management and camera performance on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

The Pixel / Nexus Security Bulletin for December 2018 notes 13 "functional patches," in addition to one security update. One of the most important issues addressed by this month’s patch is aggressive memory management that would prevent some apps from running simultaneously. For example, snapping a picture with the camera app stopped background audio playback for some users.

Last month, Google confirmed that the fix would "keep background apps from being prematurely closed," referring to it as "Improved memory performance in certain circumstances" and "Improved camera capture performance" in the December security patch. It applies to both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 devices.

According to Google, other improvements to the camera include "Adjusted autofocus behavior" and "Improved camera shutter performance" for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. You also get "Improved contouring on HDR color on certain media apps" for the new phones. Meanwhile, the Pixel Stand benefits from "Improved notification visibility" and "Improved hotword performance."

Additionally, the update brings "Improved Android Auto compatibility" for the second and third-generation Pixel devices, as well as "Improved audio performance for when using Android Auto in certain vehicles" on the Pixel 3.

Another issue which involved flickering on the Ambient Display is likely fixed with "Improved Always On Display triggering." Other fixes include "Improved USB-C Audio accessory detection" on the Pixel 3 XL, while all Pixel phones benefit from "Adjusted volume behavior when toggling Bluetooth" and "Improve unlocking performance when using Bluetooth."