RealWear HMT-1 and HMT-1Z1 End of Security Update support notice

This article provides details and FAQ for the end of Security update support for the HMT-1 and HMT-1Z1 devices. This includes ongoing support for device security updates from Google and the System on-chip vendor.

1. How long after a release do Google and System-on-Chip “SoC” vendors provide security support for Android?
   Typically Google and SoC vendors provide security patches for three and a half years (3.5) years after first public release of an Operating System “OS” version. 
2. What are Android Security Updates?
   Security updates or “security patches” as they are commonly referred to are software updates designed to protect the devices or Android Operating System from threats or vulnerabilities. 
3. What types of threats and vulnerabilities do Security Updates protect against?
   Cybersecurity vulnerabilities, which are threats and vulnerabilities referred to as a Common Vulnerability Exposure “CVE.”  Each CVE has a unique identifier, all are stored in a central CVE database maintained by the MITRE Corporation which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security amongst others.  More information about CVE can be found at the following location: https://www.cve.org/About/Overview
4. Is information on new CVEs available?
   Yes, Google provides monthly publications listing novel or recently discovered Android CVEs via monthly Android Security Bulletins.  CVE severity levels and examples for mitigation are provided in these bulletins.  RealWear and other manufactures have access to the bulletin thirty days (30) prior to public release.  More information on Android Security Bulletins can be found here: https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin .  More information on CVE security levels can be found here: https://source.android.com/docs/security/overview/updates-resources#severity
5. What is RealWear’s Policy for applying Security Updates?
   RealWear applies security patches as they become available from Google in accordance with its Firmware Update and Support Policy which can be found here: https://support.realwear.com/knowledge/realwear-firmware-update-and-support-policy
6. Does Google provide Security Patches for Android Revisions that are end of life?
   No, once an Android revision is end of life Google does not provide Security Updates. 
7. If my RealWear device is on an Android Revision that is end of life, will it still work?
   Yes, the device will still work, however RealWear cannot guarantee third party applications will still function properly.  Moreover, no Android Security Updates will be applied to the device.  Thus, your IT and Security teams should be consulted with to determine if the device should be updated if applicable or replaced with one with a current Android revision.  
8. If my RealWear device is end of sale, will it receive ongoing Android Security Updates?
   Yes and no, if the Android revision on the device is currently supported by Google, then Android Security patches will continue to be provided.  However, once the Android revision is out of Google support, RealWear cannot provide further Security Updates for it.
9. When will Security Updates stop being provided for HMT-1 and HMT-1Z1?
   As of Firmware release 12.6, Security Updates will no longer be provided subject to Google’s current support policy.