Android’s WebView component caused a widespread crash last month that caused dozens of apps to stop running, including Gmail, Google Pay, and various banking apps. The severity of the bug, which lasted up to eight hours before a permanent fix was issued, has prompted Google to make additional changes in order to avoid another calamity.
In a new status report, Google explains the causes of the crash and details the WebView enhancements it plans to implement. Any application that relied on WebView to open web pages failed as a result of an error in the experiment and the software’s configuration technology, the company noted. To fix the problem, Google had to issue new versions of Chrome and WebView through Google Play for automatic and manual updates.
Key to the WebView improvements is a new “Safe Mode” that would bring the application back to a healthy state in the event of a repeat history. Google also plans to speed up Chrome and WebView updates on the Play Store. Additionally, you are committed to auditing the application and better communicating with users during incidents. In a nod to companies and developers that were likely inundated with complaints about an accident they didn’t cause, Google says it will work with its partners to provide feedback on the impact of the incident and resolution status.
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