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| Your old Android device loses Google account functionality |
If you have an older Android device with Gingerbread 2.3.7 or earlier, you will no longer be able to sign in to apps like Gmail or YouTube with your Google account at the end of September.
According to a Google forum post, the affected device's functionality will be shut down on September 27. If necessary, you can still access these services on your old device via the built-in web browser.
Since Android 3 Honeycomb and Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich, which focus on tablets, debuted in 2011, that's a very small percentage of devices. The vast majority of users do not need to worry.
The message states: If you sign in to your device after September 27, you may get an incorrect username or password when trying to use Google products and services such as Gmail, YouTube, and Maps. At the same time, users are asked to update their software.
Security is an important part of this customization, as newer software is often more secure than older software, especially over a 10-year period. Because of the old security flaws, no one wants to hack their Google account.
Devices still running Android 2.3.7 are also missing out on new functions and innovations. Google has added it to its mobile operating system over the past decade.
Your old Android device loses Google account functionality
These old Android versions have been removed for security fixes and updates for Google Play Services. This does a lot of work in the background for these updates.
Google Play Services support for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will end next month.
Messages only affect a small number of users directly. But it reminds people of the importance of Google and other tech giants setting deadlines for outdated software and hardware when releasing new versions and hardware.
Old devices cannot run the latest software. This means security flaws, major problems for developers, and a user experience that deteriorates over time.