Google continues to retire old devices. In the last few hours, millions of Android smartphones have received more than one bad news. Last in chronological order the one that sees devices with Android 2.3.7 operating system (or lower versions) excluded from Google accounts. Everyone.
For those who do not have a smartphone with a more recent operating system than Android 2.3.7, Big G has blocked access to all the main services. Among these we remember, just to mention the best known, Gmail, Google Maps and YouTube. The lockdown started on Monday 27 September and will remain valid for all devices that will not be able to upgrade to a later version of the software.
Similarly, WhatsApp has also taken steps in recent days to "get rid of" a fair number of outdated smartphones. Unlike Google, the Facebook dependent app will stop logging in from November 1st. Involved all Android devices with operating system with version 4.0.4 or earlier.
Google blocks old Android, what happens
Owners of the indicated devices will see an error message appear when accessing Google services. Users will end up with a "wrong user and / or password" signal even if the data entered is correct.
The only way to unblock the situation is to update your device to version 3.0, Google warns. At that point you would still have some time to use Big G's services, pending the next crackdown.
What will happen to those devices that due to technical and hardware limitations cannot be upgraded to at least version 3.0? There will be nothing for them to do, they will be able to continue to function regularly in terms of telephony and probably navigation, but they will be excluded from those usable for apps such as Gmail, Maps and YouTube. Among these also Samsung Galaxy S2 and Vodafone Smart II.
Can I still use Google services? Yes, here's how
All is not lost, even if the solution would seem far from practical. If you really don't want to buy a new smartphone, the main method to update yourself and go back to using Google apps, there is another way to use Big G's services.
Although the apps are blocked and consequently unusable, there is always the possibility to access Google services through your browser. A solution that however appears less practical, probably slower than the applications.