Google is trying to fix some of the big Pixel 2 issues with a software update (GOOG)

There have been multiple technical issues with Google's new Pixel 2 smartphones, including apparent screen burn-in and a weird clicking noise.
A new software update from the company hopes to try and solve the issues with the high-end phones.

The launch of the Pixel 2, Google's new iPhone-rivalling smartphone, has been marred by a series of ugly technical issues — including reports of intense screen "burn-in" and weird clicking and whining noises.

Now, Google is trying to tackle some of these problems with a new software update. (We saw the news via The Verge.)

The Pixel 2 comes in two sizes: A smaller Pixel 2, and a larger Pixel 2 XL, with a nearly edge-to-edge screen. The Pixel 2 XL's OLED screen has come under heavy fire on a range of fronts, from an apparently odd colour balance to alleged "burn in" — where ghosts of images remain on the screen after they should have disappeared.

(All OLED gets some burn-in eventually, but it appearing after less than a month is definitely not a good sign.)

Google says its screen performs in-line with other OLED screens — suggesting the issue is just image retention. But the November software update still takes steps to address the issue, a Google community manager said in a post on the company's support forums. It changes parts of its user interface, including the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen, so burn-in doesn't have as much chance to develop.

"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," he wrote. "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."

The update also tries to tackle the odd colours on the Pixel 2 XL's screen, adding a new "Saturated" colour mode for both the Pixel 2 and the 2 XL to further boost the colours on-screen if the user wishes.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 2's clicking noise has also been addressed. Google says that the software update should solve that problem too.

All in all, the problems and controversy have left a nasty stain on what have otherwise been very well-reviewed smartphones. It remains to be seen whether this update is enough to end the problems for good.

Do you own a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL? Have you encountered technical issues? Contact the author: rprice@businessinsider.com

Google is trying to fix some of the big Pixel 2 issues with a software update (GOOG)

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