Google Pixel 2 November update addresses the device's biggest problems

Google vowed to address many of the issues surrounding the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL last month following numerous user complaints. These began almost as soon as the devices were released in mid-October, and have prompted Google to extend the warranty of the Pixel 2s in order to dispel fears over device longevity.

In an update that started rolling out earlier today, Google has included solutions for several of the devices’ most notable problems.

Google Community Manager Orrin announced the changes over at the Google Product Forums. The Google Pixel 2s now have a new “saturated” color mode in its display settings, which users can toggle to make the screen appear more vibrant. This software solution was implemented following complaints that the screen’s colors look “washed out” or “bleached.” The new mode will deliver a less true-to-real-life color representation, but may please those who want their Pixel 2 display to be a bit more potent.

In addition to boosting the colors, Google is also seeking to extend the lifespan of the Pixel screens. Google has rolled out measures to prevent the screen burn-in effect (an example of which can be seen above) reported on the Pixel XL shortly after it was released, including fading out the navigation buttons and “updating” the maximum screen brightness. Presumably, that’s a coded way of saying “reducing” the maximum screen brightness — I can’t think of another max brightness tweak that would feasibly work.

For those worried about the potential negative impact these solutions could have, Orrin noted that these changes have been “carefully designed so as not to detract from the user experience.”

Rounding things off, the Pixel 2s should no longer suffer from the NFC-induced clicking sounds apparent on some units, and will now be guarded against the KRACK exploit.

If you’re a Pixel 2 owner, expect to see this update arriving OTA in the next few days.