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Pixel 2 XL gets color saturation, burn-in protections

Interface update includes new color options and navigation buttons that automatically dim after a period of inactivity.

Steven Musil Night Editor / News
Steven Musil is the night news editor at CNET News. He's been hooked on tech since learning BASIC in the late '70s. When not cleaning up after his daughter and son, Steven can be found pedaling around the San Francisco Bay Area. Before joining CNET in 2000, Steven spent 10 years at various Bay Area newspapers.
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Steven Musil
2 min read
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Google released a security patch for its new Pixel 2XL phones on Monday, addressing various screen issues such as more color saturation options and protections against image burn-in.

Since its launch in October, the Pixel 2XL has been plagued by complaints the screen looked a bit dull. To address the issue, Google has added a new Color menu that allows users to choose among Boosted, Natural, or Saturated.

Google's patch also aims to resolve image remnants lingering on Pixel 2 XL screens with planned user interface changes that include new fade-out new navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen. After a brief period of inactivity, the buttons will automatically dim to prevent image burn-in that some users have complained of.

"These features have been carefully designed so as not to detract from the user experience," a Google community manager wrote in a blog post on Monday.

Just after Google's Pixel 2 phones started to ship last month, reports surfaced that some 2 XL models suffered from screen burn-in. Though such burn-in does happen on different types of displays, OLED screens (which the Pixel 2 XL has) are more prone to it. However, when CNET investigated the issue, our editors did not find burn-in issues with the Galaxy S8 and the LG V30 , the latter of which uses the same POLED screen technology to the Pixel 2 XL. 

Watch this: Why are people talking about the Pixel 2 XL screen?

The burn-in reports were just the second blow to the new phone's screen. The Pixel 2 XL's screen was also criticized for its muted colors and the bluish hue that was viewable when tilting the phone at different angles -- an occurrence known as blue shift.

The patch also addresses other non-display-related bug and security issues, including a fix for a faint clicking noise some Pixel 2 owners have experienced.

Further enhancements are planned for Google planned software update in December, the company said.

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