Latest Google app update brings strange location bug: Details here
What's the story
After the weird notch-producing issue, Google has got another major problem to deal with - a bug affecting its Android app.
According to multiple Reddit reports, the latest version of the Google app is seeking continuous location access, even when maps or any other location-requiring app is not running.
The problem has been spotted on several smartphones but still remains unfixed.
Here's more.
The issue
Automatic access to location services
The Google app bug, as many users reported, is causing launchers to access location, even when it's not needed.
It comes with version 8.39.6.21 (stable) of the app and shows the location icon on the status bar - on a constant basis.
"Once I open an app, the location icon will disappear," said one Pixel 3 user. "Return to the launcher, it comes back."
Affected devices
Most phones, launchers appear affected
The team at AndroidPolice, which first reported the issue, tested the app on several phones including Pixel 3, Nokia 7.1, and OnePlus 6T.
They confirmed that the bug affected most phones and launchers out there, and as soon as the home button was tapped, the location started appearing.
In cases where system notifications were enabled, even an alert for location access showed up.
Information
Even Google app's latest beta has the same bug
Notably, the latest beta version of the Google app (version 8.44.2.21) also carries the same location bug. This indicates that the search giant isn't aware of the issue yet or has not found a fix.
Solution
How the problem can be solved?
As the problem appears to be on the software end, Google will issue a fix for this glitch with a future update.
But, for now, it is recommended to roll-back to a previous stable version of the app or switching off access to location services for the Google app.
Both techniques seem to have worked for users suffering from the issue.