Could Google ‘fix’ the Pixel 2 XL’s display with a software update?

Okay, now let’s talk about the realistic parts of the situation.

We know people have opinions on the Pixel 2 XL’s display. Some are bad, some are good, and some people want everyone to just move on with their lives and pick the phone that works for them for a variety of reasons. We know that the Pixel 2 XL’s display has a few characteristics that are polarizing: the color representation, off-axis color shifting, grain on light backgrounds and weak shadow detail are all points of contention right now.

So rather than continuing to debate how bad each aspect of the display is, let’s go to the next level: will Google release an update for the Pixel 2 XL to change the way the display looks? Let’s look at the possibility.

Will Google address the screen with an update?

We know Google is constantly working on software for its Pixels, and we’re sure there’s already a little backlog of different features, fixes and changes that are already slated for an upcoming release. But with the amount of attention the Pixel 2 XL’s screen is getting, Google has chosen to respond to this point in particular. When asked for comment on the Pixel 2 XL’s display, Google provided the following statement to The Verge (emphasis mine):

We designed the Pixel display to have a more natural and accurate rendition of colors this year but we know some people prefer more vivid colors so we’ve added an option to boost colors by 10% for a more saturated display. We’re always looking at people’s responses to Pixel and we will look at adding more color options through a software update if we see a lot of feedback.

Google typically doesn’t make many public comments on exactly what it plans to fix or change in direct response to complaints on current software builds, but it’s not surprising that this one has raised to the point where it’s considering changes. Go look at Google’s product forums and you’ll see complaints and bug reports filed for every thing you could imagine, but most don’t reach the level of needing a public comment from Google — but that’s where we’re at with the Pixel 2 XL’s display.

So there’s a good chance that engineers at Google will be looking into the display tuning when it comes to release the next big software update for the Pixel 2 and 2 XL — presumably, Android 8.1. The question is, what all can Google actually do with a simple software update? Well, not as much as you’d think.

What can actually be ‘fixed’ with an update?

To set the stage, manufacturers aren’t even capable of making two panels back to back that look identical. Out of a batch of 1000 screens coming off of a production line, there will be variations from number one to 1000 — and LG is making far more than 1000 of these. There are tolerances that each fits within, but they are a range and not absolute. That’s not to excuse issues with any screen, but rather to caution us all from looking at one phone and thinking it’s completely representative of all Pixel 2 XLs.

Now, lot of what we perceive as quality of “the screen” itself actually comes down to the software tuning and calibration of that screen. The phone’s software tells the screen what to do, how to adjust to various inputs, what brightness to show and what colors to recreate with which values. And within the parameters of what the screen is actually capable of, it’ll do it. Further to that point, Android Oreo even offers developers the option to define a specific color space in their app, overriding the default OS setting.

Google can change the tuning of the screen, but it can’t overcome physical limitations.

Google has tuned the Pixel 2 XL’s display to be very accurate — more specifically, 100% accurate to the DCI-P3 color space. Other phones are not as accurate to the DCI-P3 color space (like the Pixel 2, at 93%), or are tuned to a different color space entirely. This is one reason why different screens look different to our eyes. Google could, in theory, change the Pixel 2 XL’s software so that it displays colors differently — in this case, maybe with higher overall saturation. It could change the values of the red, green and blue the screen is told to show, and it’d have a direct effect on how it looks to us.

The problem here is that the Pixel 2 XL’s display isn’t completely malleable and able to be changed to whatever Google’s engineers’ collective hearts desire. It has physical limitations, and it turns out that most of what people have been complaining about in the Pixel 2 XL’s display are these physical issues, not just software tuning. Changes in the software can’t address the fact that the display distorts colors when you tilt the phone, nor can it address the bits of grain viewed at low brightness on white backgrounds. These are just characteristics of the display — they just happen to be ones that people are really focusing on.

So with this new-found knowledge, what do we do? Well, look at the Pixel 2 XL and decide if you like how the display looks right now. Don’t buy a phone for what it could be in the future, buy it for how you feel about it on Day 1 and anything else that comes in a software update later on down the road is just gravy.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
• Google Pixel 2 specs
• Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
• Join our Pixel 2 forums

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Google fixing SMS bug on last year’s Pixels with November security patch

A fix is on the way, but not quite yet.

Earlier this month, we reported that users of the first-generation Pixel and Pixel XL were having trouble receiving SMS text messages. Google’s Pixel User Community forum is filled with people complaining about this bug, and while a spokesperson from Google did initially respond to the problem, an ETA for a resolution was unknown. We now have an update to this story, and there’s good and bad news.

Starting first with the good news, Google has since learned that the SMS bug was caused by the Android 8.0 Oreo update and has figured out a way to fix it.

Unfortunately, that fix won’t be pushed out for quite a few more days. Google says that it’ll be resolving the matter when it releases the monthly security patch for November, and while a light at the end of the tunnel is nice to have, the fact that affected users will likely have to wait a couple more weeks before they can start receiving their text messages like normal is not great.

Here’s what Google officially said:

We want to let you all know that we have been able to identify and implement a fix for this issue. Thank you to those that sent over bug reports and for including detailed information here on this thread.

There was an issue introduced in the release of Android Oreo that affects text message (SMS) delivery for a subset of Pixel (not Pixel 2) users.This issue was only seen on a small number of carriers. Unfortunately this has resulted in devices getting into a state where they do not receive messages.

The fix will be included in the November Security OTA which will be rolling out soon.. Please let us know how it goes after accepting the update.

Are you happy with Google’s handling of this issue, or do you think they could have done a better job at getting a fix pushed out sooner? Software bugs are never fun or enjoyable, but when it’s something as serious as not being able to receive SMS messages, you’re talking about something of an entirely different level. Let us know your thoughts in those comments down below.

First-gen Pixel phones aren’t receiving SMS messages

Get 20% off PS4 games from Amazon Warehouse when you buy 2 or more

Yo dog, I heard you like video games.

For a limited time, pick up two or more used games from this Amazon Warehouse sale and you’ll get 20% off.

There are almost 5,000 games to choose from, so no matter what console is your favorite, you should check this sale out.

Note that some of these games only have a handful in stock. Make sure you head to Amazon sooner rather than later for the best selection.

Your discount will be applied automatically during checkout.

Some notable offers with prices before discount:

• Injustice 2 (PS4) – $35.91
• Diablo III (PS4) – $21.77 – One of the funnest games of all time & highly recommended by yours truly
• Stardew Valley: Collector’s Edition (PS4)- $17.99
• Final Fantasy XV (PS4) – $22.43
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands (PS4) – $23.99
• Persona 5 (PS4) – $43.64
• Until Dawn (PS4) – $13.10
• Nier: Automata (PS4) – $37.56
• Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition (PS4) – $35.99
• Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (PS4) – $21.59
• Rayman Legends (PS4) – $16.36

TL;DR

• What makes this deal worth considering? – Deals like these are a great way to pick up a previously-released game that you haven’t played yet. That’s not to say the selection is full of old games, either, because there is a surprising amount of recent releases included as well.
• Things to know before you buy! – Amazon Warehouse products vary in condition, but all of them will work perfectly fine. Keep in mind that once an item is gone, it’s gone, so shop early for the best selection.

See at Amazon

More from Thirifter:

• Best and most lenient return policies from various retailers
• How to find the best deal on your next flight

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!

What do you think about Google’s Pixel 2?

So, how’s that Pixel 2 treating you?

Google’s Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL started to arrive on people’s doorsteps this past Wednesday, and while it’ll still be a while before everyone who preordered the phones gets their hands on them, plenty of early adopters have already shared their thoughts on Google’s flagships for 2017.

Andrew and Alex both came away with very positive feelings for the Pixel 2 in their reviews, praising both the regular and XL model as two of the best Android phones you can buy right now. Each device has its own set of pros and cons, and while we could dive into a lot more detail on that front, that’s not what we’re here to do.

Today, we want to look at what you have to say about the Pixel 2. Here’s what some of our forum users have said so far.

Damu357
10-19-2017 07:46 PM

“

I love my pixel 2 XL, so far it’s been great. The battery life is amazing, speakers are great, and even the sound quality has improved for phone calls. It doesn’t feel plastic at all, or hollow. Nice job Google

Reply

polbit
10-19-2017 08:46 PM

“

I started on Windows Mobile (Motorola Q, anyone, anyone??), and have switched back and forth between Android and iOS. I always longed for a phone that would combine the two – the fluidity and app quality of iOS, with customizability of Android, etc., etc. So far, my new Pixel 2XL has it all. Absolutely love it, and it’s been a while since I got this excited about a phone (probably since Note…

Reply

BCWARE
10-19-2017 02:48 PM

“

I have been a Droid guy for a long long time. Have literally owned a phone from every major player…a few Nexus, including my 6 that I just sent back to Google regrettably…..went back to Samsung to check the hype and because I have tech ADD.

Yesterday my P2XL arrived…and less than 24 hours in…I am in love. Fast, Oreo…the screen is just fine. Camera is magnificent…just pleased as…

Reply

gabbott
10-19-2017 09:14 PM

“

I’ve had my Pixel 2 XL set up for the past few hours and love it! The speakers are great and get loud, this thing is really fast, and I actually really like the display and the way that colors are rendered.

Have yet to play around with the camera.

Reply

If you purchased the Pixel 2 and already have your hands on the phone, we want to know – What do you think about the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL?

Join the conversation in the forums!

Fake iPhone X has a fake notch, obviously

We’re only one week away from iPhone X pre-orders, but the counterfeit market is already offering a variety of similar-looking devices to a particular crowd. As I anticipated, I came across one such clone while wandering around Hong Kong’s Global Sources electronics fair earlier today, courtesy of a Shenzhen company by the marvelous name of Hotwonder. Its Hotwav Symbol S3 (also not the best name) is essentially an entry-level 4G Android phone shamelessly packaged into an iPhone X-like body, except for one notable difference: the screen “bezel” is white instead of black.

You see, unlike the real deal, the Symbol S3 only uses a rectangular display (a 6-inch 1,440 x 720 IPS panel), so if you strip away the white paint around it, you’ll end up with an ordinary-looking smartphone with a regular forehead and chin. In other words, the white contour and notch are for mimicking the specially-cut shape of the iPhone X’s OLED display, but such illusion only works when the background is black. Not to mention that the Android interface here is a dead giveaway, anyway.

Of course, you can’t expect this random Chinese factory to clone Apple’s TrueDepth sensor, but it did fill the notch with a pair of cameras plus an LED flash, making it a total of four bokeh-enabled cameras on this device: 5 megapixels plus 2 megapixels on the front, and 13 megapixels plus 2 megapixels on the back. Hotwonder also took the liberty to add a fingerprint magnet mirror finish to the back side, which could be considered as a bonus feature for those who carry a pocket mirror around.

The Symbol S3’s spec sheet lists Android 8.0 as its operating system, and it can be equipped with either MediaTek’s new MT6739 chipset (1.3GHz, 4x Cortex-A53, dual-LTE or LTE + WCDMA) or its much older MT6592 (1.7GHz, 8x Cortex-A7, 3G only). The device also packs a 2,900 mAh fixed battery (no wireless charging here), 16GB of internal storage and a mere 2GB of RAM. Yikes.

It’s unclear how much this cheeky device will retail for, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you can buy seven or eight of these for the price of one genuine iPhone X. But seriously, don’t.

The HotWav symbol S3… available with or without notch. pic.twitter.com/EThnaZBf1t

— Alex Taylor (@adntaylor) October 19, 2017