What’s new in the July 2024 Google System Updates [U: 7/3]

Abner Li | Jul 3 2024 - 3:26 pm PT

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.

The following first-party apps comprise the “Google System”:

Adaptive Connectivity Services: Search the “All apps” list in Settings and open App info for the version number
Android System Intelligence: App info
Android TV Core Services
Android WebView: App info
Device Health Services: App info
Settings Services: App info
Google Play Store: App info
Google Play system update: Settings > About phone > Android version
SIM Manager: App info

A feature appearing in the changelog does not mean it’s widely available. Some capabilities take months to fully launch.

Remote Lock was also announced at I/O 2024. It lets users lock a stolen device by calling a phone number and answering a “quick security challenge.” Google pitches it as being faster than logging into your account on another device, especially since “many users are shocked and stressed after a phone goes missing and can’t recall their Google account password to access Find My Device.”

Google Play services v24.26 (2024-07-03)

Device Connectivity

[Phone, Wear] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Device Connectivity related processes in their apps.

Security & Privacy

[Phone] With Find My Device, you can now lock your phone remotely using just your phone number.

System Management

[Auto] With this new feature, you can now manage Google Play Services from Settings.

Google announced Play Protect live threat detection at I/O 2024 to target apps that “try to cloak their actions.” On your device, the Private Compute Core is used to detect suspicious application behavior.

If something is found, Play Protect will send the app to Google for additional review. Once the malicious nature is confirmed, you’ll be prompted to disable that piece of software. This is coming to Pixel, Honor, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Sharp, Transsion, and other devices.