Google has released a new update designed to mitigate the problems some users have surrounding the muted colour featured in the Pixel 2 XL display, as well as help prevent the screen burn-in the Android device’s POLED screen suffers from.
The update, which is included in the Pixel 2’s latest security update, also contains a fix for the clicking noise some users reported hearing with the standard Pixel 2.
A Google community manager describes the update as follow:
As we mentioned in our deeper dive, this update also brings planned UI changes which extend the life of the OLED display, including a fade out of the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen and an update to maximum brightness. These features have been carefully designed so as not to detract from the user experience. Since all OLED displays experience some degree of decay over time, we’ll continue to make enhancements which maximize the life of your Pixel screen.
This update adds a third option under the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL’s display settings: ‘Boosted,’ ‘Natural’ and ‘Saturated.’ Google says that Saturated mode puts the display’s colour in an unmanaged configuration that’s akin to the first Pixel’s screen. The tech giant says colours are more vibrant, but less accurate in terms of real-world accuracy — sort of like the Note 8 and S8’s display.
In an effort to solve the screen burn-in the phone suffers from, the update also limits how bright the Pixel 2 XL’s display can get and allows the phone’s navigation bar to fade-out after periods of inactivity. These updates were included in the latest version of Android 8.1’s developer preview, but it looks like Google has already pushed them out in a stable build.
It’s unclear if this fix actually solves the otherwise stellar phone’s display burn-in issues, though it is nice to see Google responding to user complains relatively swiftly. Google says that it also plans to work with app developers to implement “light navigation bars” that match apps’ colour schemes.
I’ve downloaded and installed the update on the Pixel 2 XL we have at the MobileSyrup office and while it does make the Pixel 2 XL’s display look slightly more vibrant, don’t expect a significant change. Basically, if you weren’t happy with the Pixel 2 XL’s display before, this new setting likely won’t change your mind.
In terms of the display burn-in issues, it’s difficult to tell if Google’s new navigation bar fading feature actually solves any issues since it’s the kind of functionality that needs to be tested for a lengthy period of time. For what it’s worth though, we weren’t able to get the navigation bar to fade with any app.
In terms of security fixes, the update also patches the Wi-Fi ‘Krack Vulnerability’ as well as issues related to Bluetooth. For a round-up of all the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL’s various issues, check out this story.
Source: Google Via: Android Central
MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.
