Pixel 3 Bug Adds More Notch to the Screen, Just as We Always Wanted

Google’s line of Pixel phones is known mostly for what they take away. They proudly ship with stock Android rather than the “optimized” variants that companies like Samsung ship. They receive regular security updates to ensure fewer long-lasting security bugs, though Google has taken steps to improve the update situation on partner devices as well, over the years. Now, just weeks after the debut of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Google is at it again, giving users more of what they always wanted by giving them less.

This secret developer preview of an unintentional bug a new hidden capability proves that all the kerfuffle over Google allowing you to hide the notch on Pixel 3 devices was fundamentally misplaced. Google doesn’t want to hide the notch. It wants to cynically save money over Apple by shipping devices that seem to have actual displays until you turn them on. Only then does the dastardly ploy reveal itself.

So my Pixel randomly grew another notch today. ???? https://t.co/c6Pff9MVmW pic.twitter.com/ugjfLmCkDZ

— UrAvgConsumer (@UrAvgConsumer) October 24, 2018

Clear-eyed users quickly took to Twitter, using Photoshop to uncover the horrible truth:

Fixed it for you: pic.twitter.com/Wz1Dpgcgen

— Jason Nellis ♼ (@jasonnellis) October 24, 2018

Android Police reports that Google has told the company it’s aware of the problem and that a fix is coming soon. To which we boldly say: “Why is this a problem?” Why, in the Year of Our Lord 2018, is it so difficult to buy a smartphone that mimics the look of a series of manilla folders?

We demand more notch. MOAR NOTCH.

Wrong Notch.

In all seriousness, the “more notch” bug is something Google is aware of and a fix is on the way. The problem, should it happen to your handset, can be cleared with a reboot, apparently. Joking aside, this isn’t triggered by any developer menu and we seriously doubt Google has any plans to introduce a phone with six notches unless Apple does it first.

Continue reading

Scientists Confirm the Presence of Water on the Moon

Scientists have confirmed the discovery of molecular water on the moon. Is there any of it in a form we can use? That's less clear.

NASA Discovers Vital Organic Molecule on Titan

In the latest analysis, researchers from NASA have identified an important, highly reactive organic molecule in Titan's atmosphere. Its presence suggests the moon could support chemical processes that we usually associate with life.

Intel Launches New Xe Max Mobile GPUs for Entry-Level Content Creators

Intel has launched a new consumer, mobile GPU — but it's got a very specific use-case, at least for now.

Voyager 2 Probe Talks to Upgraded NASA Network After 8 Months of Silence

NASA just said "hello" to Voyager 2, and the probe said it back.