Android's WebView component provoked a widespread crash last month that caused dozens of apps to stop running, including Gmail, Google Pay and several banking apps. The severity of the error — which lasted for up to eight hours before a permanent fix was issued — has prompted Google to make additional changes with the aim of avoiding another calamity.
In a new status report, Google explains the causes of the crash and details the WebView improvements it plans to implement. Any apps that relied on WebView to open web pages crashed as a result of a bug in the software's experiment and configuration technology, the company noted. In order to fix the issue, Google had to issue new versions of both Chrome and WebView via Google Play for automated and manual updates.
Key to its WebView improvements is a new "Safe Mode" that would see the app revert to a good state should history repeat itself. Google also plans on accelerating Chrome and WebView updates on the Play store. In addition, it's pledging to audit the app and better communicate with users during incidents. In a nod to the businesses and developers that were likely inundated with complaints for a crash they didn't cause, Google says it will work with its partners to provide commentary on incident impact and resolution status.