Skip to main content

Google sends out Android software update to fix Nexus 7 touchscreen glitch

best nexus 7 accessories google 2013 asus android 4 3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Nexus 7 may have only been on sale for a short time, but online forums have been awash with complaints from users regarding the touchscreen’s poor performance, with the new slate being plagued by phantom key presses, mutlitouch problems, and erratic keyboard taps. Thankfully, Google has been paying attention and has come up with a speedy fix, which doesn’t include taking the device back to the retailer.

News came from Google community manager Paul Wilcox, who posted on a particularly packed Google product forum that a software update has been sent out to fix the issue. He said, “There’s a new system update that’s started rolling out for your Nexus 7s. This update does address the touchscreen issues … please let us know how it’s going after you’ve received and installed the update.”

Recommended Videos

This was posted yesterday, so it’s still early days for the update, but according to some posts it has started to arrive. As for its effectiveness, it’s a mixed bag, with some saying the problems still exist, but most are happily reporting it’s a vast improvement. If you’re looking out for the update, then the magic Android 4.3 version number is JSS15Q.

This is not only good news for owners of the Nexus 7, but also for prospective owners of the tablet in the UK, where it goes on sale next week. Those who’re ready to pre-order it or are hoping to pick one up in a store from August 28, will be relieved to know a fix is on its way.

While the multitouch fault has attracted the majority of the attention, it’s not the only issue with the 2013 Nexus 7 owners are reporting. We’ve catalogued the most common ones here, and have a selection of solutions and workarounds to make life with the Nexus 7 more bearable, at least until Google gets around to fixing them.

Andy Boxall
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
The Pixel Watch is about to get a long-awaited software update
The Google Pixel Watch 3 lying on top of a plant.

For the most part, Google has issued an update to the Pixel Watch roughly once a month. Most were simple security updates, while others included new features and OS upgrades. Fans expected an update in October, but Google delayed it until this month. This update will resume the rollout of Wear OS 5 to Pixel Watch 1 and Pixel Watch 2 users after a series of crashes caused Google to pause it back in September. After several months of work, the company has addressed the cause of the crashes and is confident that yesterday's update will be stable.

In addition to Wear OS 5, the update will also include better camera controls and changes to the Pixel Recorder app, which will be available through the Play Store. Your individual watch will notify you when the update is available for download, so you don't have to constantly check for it. The first update for the Pixel Watch 3 since its launch is also coming with bug fixes and security updates. All Pixel Watch models will eventually update to version AW2A.241105.012, although when the update happens will depend on both the carrier and the device.

Read more
I wore two of 2024’s best smart rings. This is the one you should buy
A person holding the Oura Ring 4 and the RingConn Gen 2.

Now that the Oura Ring 4 is here, how does it stack up against the RingConn Gen 2? I’ve had both smart rings on for several weeks to help understand where each ring's strengths lie and which is the best to buy.

It's easy to think it all comes down to the price and whether you want to pay a subscription or not, but by wearing these smart rings, understanding the design differences, and testing out the very different apps each day, I can give you a much deeper insight into the best one to wear over the long term.
Is the Oura Ring 4 or the RingConn Gen 2 more comfortable?
The RingConn Gen 2 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more
These ESR Gear mobile accessory deals are Apple-tastic — Save over 50% off
ESR Gear mobile accessory deals -- MagSafe 3-in-1 charger with devices

Shiny new phone? Preparing to get one soon? Congratulations, that's always a great feeling, isn't it? The dopamine hit of the mobile upgrade. But now it's time to start thinking about some smarter more efficient ways to use that device, even if it's not new. That's where mobile accessories come into the equation. From stands to car mounts and portable power packs, they extend the functionality and usability of your favorite and beloved smartphone. Chief among the phone gear options is ESR Gear with its excellent selection of MagSafe accessories. Need an example? Look no further than the ESR 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger with Qi2 wireless charging and CryoBoost cooling technology. It can charge the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch, fast.

But here's the thing: You came here under the guise that there were some great deals to be had, and I don't blame you, so let's get right into those. You can expect to save upwards of 30% off some of ESR Gear's best MagSafe options. They're already discounted, plus there are exclusive coupon codes to get an extra 10% off. All coupon codes are valid until December 25th.

Read more