Is your Google Pixel screen acting a bit strange? Great news: There’s a solution.

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      When Google released its March update for Pixel phones, it introduced features such as pulse detection and scam recognition. However, it appears to have also introduced several bugs that users are now reporting. A number of Reddit users have noted that their screen brightness fluctuates from overly bright to too dark while watching fullscreen videos, an issue that only began after the latest update was released.

      This problem doesn’t seem confined to specific models; reports have come in from users of various devices, including the Pixel 6 through to the Pixel 9 Pro and later models. The issue has been observed across multiple applications, including Netflix, YouTube, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and MX Player. Users have attempted to identify the cause by checking other display settings, such as Adaptive Brightness, but found no improvement.

      Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

      Additionally, the problem seems to affect more than just videos. Some users have mentioned that the background of their phone appears dull and dim in comparison to the rest of the display.

      However, some have discovered a temporary fix. Disabling the Smooth Display feature can prevent the brightness fluctuations, but this also disables the display's 120Hz refresh rate (on compatible devices) and locks it at 60Hz. While this isn’t the best solution, it at least allows users to watch videos without straining their eyes.

      Google has not commented on the issue, but given the number of users reporting their experiences, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a hotfix released soon. We have contacted Google for a response and will provide updates as we receive more information.

      Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      Phone cameras have become so advanced that they've now replaced my camera for work.

      For nearly twenty years, I’ve carried over twenty pounds of electronics in my backpack for the slightest chance of needing to capture content for my job. Typically, my backpack included my MacBook, a full-frame camera with a large lens, a tripod, and various video and audio equipment that I considered essential.

      However, in the last two years, many of these items have become outdated as companies have launched new products capable of replacing technology I once thought was irreplaceable.

      Google Pixel 9a: everything we know so far

      While many Android phones exist in the market, Google's Pixel line is among the best. The Google Pixel 9 lineup was released last August, and as per Google's usual pattern, we expect a more affordable A-series Pixel phone to debut midway through the flagship's lifecycle this year. Here’s what we know about the Pixel 9a, including its possible release date and rumored specifications.

      Google Pixel 9a: potential release date

      A definite release date for the Google Pixel 9a hasn’t been established yet, but rumors are circulating. Historically, Pixel A-series phones are launched in late spring or early summer. For instance, the Google Pixel 6a debuted in July 2022, and the Google Pixel 7a was released a bit earlier in May 2023. The Google Pixel 8a also launched in May, a few weeks prior to Google I/O. According to a recent report from Android Headlines, the Google Pixel 9a might even launch earlier in 2025, possibly with preorders opening around mid-March. This could also apply to the Pixel 10a in 2026.

      I love Google Gemini, but I prefer Apple Intelligence any day of the week.

      If you’re in search of the best AI experience on a smartphone, two main AI developers likely come to mind. For the iPhone 16, the answer is Apple Intelligence, while for the Pixel 9 series—and the leading Android devices—it’s Google’s Gemini. You can also download Gemini as a standalone app on the iPhone, but Apple Intelligence is the primary AI option.

      Both companies provide a range of similar features in terms of what they claim to offer, yet there are subtle differences. Google Gemini primarily focuses on leveraging AI to assist users in creating, editing, and generating content, while Apple Intelligence emphasizes personal use cases and integration across various applications.