If you are still using a very old Android device, be that a smartphone or a tablet, then upgrading by September is essential if you don’t want to lose access to your Google account.
As Liliputing reports, Google has announced that from Sept. 27, any attempt to sign-in to Google accounts using a device running Android 2.3.7 or lower will fail. Google explains that it took this decision “as part of our ongoing efforts to keep our users safe,” and it will mean these devices become useless for accessing any and all Google services (Gmail, YouTube, Maps, etc.).
In my experience, it seems unlikely this will impact many smartphone owners due to regular upgrade cycles. However, I know quite a few people who have an old Android tablet they still use as a second device around the house, and this decision will force them to upgrade, be that to a more recent Android device or a switch to Apple.
Google makes it clear your Google account is still accessible on Android, but it needs to be version 3.0 or higher. It may even be possibly to upgrade your existing device to Android 3.0. To check, go to Settings > About Device > Software Update and select “Update.” If an update is available you’ll be given the option to download it. This is a process best performed when connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.
The good news is, upgrading to a new Android device doesn’t have to be expensive. There’s plenty of cheap phones and cheap tablets available, and they all run the latest version of Google’s mobile OS. And if you’ve been relying on an Android 2.3 device all this time, you’re really going to appreciate the faster experience, better cameras, and longer battery life of the latest devices.
