Xiaomi rolls out updates for its Mi A1 smartphone: September security patch and more

Xiaomi's first Google Android One smartphone the Mi A1 has now started receiving its September security patch. While during the launch, it was said that the updates would be rolled out much quicker, and it seems the company is standing on its promise.

In any case, talking about the new update, it comes with several noticeable improvements like the Bluetooth stability and security improvements along with the standard bug fixes. Further, Xiaomi has said that the new update also improves the stability of the device and optimizes its performance.

However, the main aspect that the September Security patch brings is a fix for the critical BlueBorne Bluetooth vulnerability. If you have not heard about this Bluetooth attack then just to recall Armis Security earlier this month had reported that hackers were using a Bluetooth vulnerability known as BlueBorne to remotely enter any operating system without the need for pairing or the device be in discoverable mode. You can read the full report here.

But again, it is a good thing the new update makes Mi A1 more secure. Security is a big concern these days in the digital world.

Having said that, the update comes as an OTA update and it weighs in at 1059.6MB in size. Mi A1 users should download and install the update over a Wi-Fi connection. Using mobile data could result in additional charges. The smartphone should at least have battery over 50 percent as well.
Usually, when the updates arrive users receive an update notification. However, if there is no notification on the notification panel then users can go to Settings> About Phone> Software update and check for the update manually.

And here is another interesting thing. Google has recently announced that it has made the "Check for update" button in Settings pretty useful for Android One devices apart from Pixel and Nexus smartphones. Google has added a new firmware update feature that will now configure the device to check for an update when the request has been made manually. Google's executive had also mentioned that users will not be required to sideload any new OTA or factory image.

Moreover, the executive had said that the new update process will be very useful because "if there is even 1 percent of rollout done and 1 percent users have received the update if you tap the Check for update option it will actually make that update available for your device."
In any case, apart from today's security update, Mi A1 should be receiving more updates in the future and at a much faster rate.