If you are Google Pixel users, have you experienced times when 'Display Feature' is not smooth? Google may have revealed the answers!
Google will not allow apps like Google Maps, Waze, Pokemon Go, and WeChat use Pixel 4's "Smooth Display" feature to run at 90Hz.
The latest Google Pixel news reveals Pixel 4 creator will not allow apps like Google Maps, Waze, Pokemon Go, and WeChat use the "Smooth Display" feature to run at 90Hz. This information came from XDA Developers' Mishaal Rahman and 9to5Google - they found source code for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL and Android Police also confirmed it is true.
Apps not allowed to run in 90Hz
Google Maps, Pokémon Go, and Waze are notorious for being big battery drainers because they simultaneously use the phone's GPS, GPU, and cellular radio. Apart from that, these apps keep the screen on for long periods. The Verge.concluded if these apps are allowed to run at 90Hz, they can quickly shorten the battery life of the phone. In their recent report, Google told them that upcoming software updates will enable 90Hz "in more brightness conditions."
For some users, it is not surprising that these apps were locked by Google to a more standard 60Hz. However, they are wondering why WeChat is also included to not run at 90Hz. Google's source code for Pixel 4 says that WeChat has "poor performance" at the higher refresh rate. Just recently, online users revealed that Pixel 4's refresh rate falls to 60Hz if its screen is at 75%brightness or lower on Reddit.
Lock Screen Notification
Another issue about Google Pixel 4 and Google 4 XL 'Lock Screen' feature. Both devices have significant changes on how to unlock them. Now, you can't see the fingerprint sensor because it has been replaced by Google's fancy face unlock system, and Google hides this feature.
How to re-enable 'lock screen' notification
For some reason, some users are not fond of this change. If they want the old functionality of the lock screen, there are two ways to re-enable them:
- Swipe down on the notification shade to access your notifications. Make sure your privacy settings are set to "Show all notification content" on the lock screen.
- Under security, go to 'face unlock settings.' Then, deactivate "Skip lock screen." However, in this mode, the phone still unlocks when a user looks at it. The good thing here is it allows a user to explore the expandable notifications on the lock screen and swipe up to clear the lock screen once they are done.
