Security Architecture, Endpoint/Device Security, Endpoint/Device Security, Endpoint/Device Security, Endpoint/Device Security, Endpoint/Device Security

Google begins exploring Android chip manufacturing

Android's problems didn't start with the Stagefright vulnerabilities discovered this past summer, but the OS was certainly thrust into the limelight after the flaws were exposed.

With those vulnerabilities and others, consumers focused their rage on Android's inconsistent patching schedules, which rely on telecommunications providers to provide over-the-air updates. Unlike Apple, which strictly maintains its iOS, Android's open source method has left plenty of room for innovation but possibly not enough for review and the addressing of vulnerabilities.

Now, Google is reportedly considering the development of Android chips based off its own designs, an article from The Verge stated. The technology giant apparently wants to hire an outside firm that already manufactures Android chips to create chips with Google's designs.

The article reported that Google's chip idea began because it wants to create an “enterprise connectivity device,” or one that would use solely in-house technology.

The Verge pointed out that the company could have trouble finding a manufacturing partner, but as one alternative, it could require Nexus line creators to use only the company's designs for all portions of the devices.

Although this move doesn't necessarily pertain to security, it does follow Google's initiative to keep its Nexus devices as secure as possible by patching them independently from telecom groups. Earlier this week, for instance, the company patched two critical vulnerabilities on its devices via an over-the-air update.

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