PSA: Google Services Can’t be Used on Certain Smartphones from 27 Sep 2021

“Discrimination isn’t real.”

Or so they preach.

In reality, discrimination is very real.

And it’s set to kickstart on 27 September 2021.

PSA: Google Services Can’t be Used on Certain Smartphones from 27 Sep 2021

From 27 September onwards, Google apps such as Google Services, Youtube, Google Play Store, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Calendar, and more will be unusable for certain Android devices.

Users with Android 2.3 will find themselves unable to log into their Google account, despite keying in the correct details.

They will also be unable to add a Google app to their settings menu.

To continue, users will have to upgrade to Android 3.0.

Some devices, however, are incapable of making the jump. These include:

• Sony Xperia Advance
• Lenovo K800
• Sony Xperia Go
• Vodafone Smart II
• Samsung Galaxy S2
• Sony Xperia P
• LG Spectrum
• Sony Xperia S
• LG Prada 3.0
• HTC Velocity
• HTC Evo 4G
• Motorola Fire
• Motorola XT532

There is a way, however, to circumvent the issue for these devices.

For instance, logging into YouTube via your browser could work in the short run.

Hackers

Lest you’re wondering about the rationale behind such a move, don’t worry;

It’s not a masterminded move to push smartphone sales.

Instead, it’s because of one glaring notion: older versions of operating systems are more vulnerable to bugs and hackers.

And considering how Android 2.3 was launched in December 2010, it’s safe to say that its security system isn’t exactly the best.

Indeed, Google has said that the move was made “as part of our going efforts to keep our users safe”.

Whatsapp

Back in December 2020, it was announced that the popular messaging platform WhatsApp will cease work on millions of phones around the globe from 1 January 2021 onwards.

Older phones will be affected, and users will need to update their software to continue using the application.

Those who refuse to update their software, or are unable to, will not be able to access the app.

Apparently, WhatsApp will fail to work for any iPhone device that has yet to be updated to iOS9 or higher.

For Android users, those without 4.0.3 Android or newer will be left in the dust.

The move was, however, later shifted to November 2021.

Here’s a list of all the phones affected, courtesy of the Khaleej Times: 

• Apple – iPhone SE, 6S and 6S Plus
• Samsung – Galaxy Trend II, Galaxy SII, Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite, Galaxy S3 mini, Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Xcover 2, and Galaxy Core
• LG – LG Lucid 2, Optimus F7, Optimus F5, Optimus L3 II Dual, Optimus F5, Optimus L5, Optimus L5 II, Optimus L5 Dual, Optimus L3 II, Optimus L7, Optimus L7 II Dual, Optimus L7 II, Optimus F6, Enact , Optimus L4 II Dual, Optimus F3, Optimus L4 II, Optimus L2 II, Optimus Nitro HD and 4X HD, and Optimus F3Q
• ZTE – ZTE Grand S Flex, ZTE V956, Grand Memo and Grand X Quad V987
• Huawei – Huawei Ascend G740, Ascend D1 Quad XL, Ascend P1 S, Ascend Mate, Ascend D Quad XL, and Ascend D2
• Sony – Sony Xperia Neo L, Sony Xperia Miro, and Xperia Arc S
• Others – Lenovo A820, HTC Desire 500, Alcatel One Touch Evo 7, Archos 53 Platinum, Faea F1, Caterpillar Cat B15, Wiko Cink Five, Wiko Darknight, UMi X2, and THL W8

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