The headaches for the new Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro continue (although for us they are the smartphones to consider) with new problems related to the sensors, making them probably the most problematic Pixels ever.
Gyroscope, accelerometer and compass do not work on Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
Some Pixel 6 units, according to some reports on Reddit and the Google support forum, randomly stop reading the data of some sensors, thus making it impossible to use certain features such as automatic rotation and horizontal images. Users who have reported the issue to explain that features, such as auto-rotation and auto horizontal images, stop working at random and don’t know why.
The Android Police colleagues did a test with their units in the editorial office using the Sensor test app and discovered that the sensors do not return any data. Since the gyroscope, accelerometer and compass are fundamental, they make everyday functions such as automatic rotation and horizontal images impossible. The maps also become unusable because, with the compass out of order, the application fails to show the direction in which you are going.
The cause is not entirely clear, but it seems that the problem has escaped after the update with the December patches, even if we do not have certain data. However, taking into account that the latest update brought connectivity problems, it would not be impossible that he is the culprit. The other sensors, on the other hand, such as the one for brightness, proximity and magnetism, work very well.
If you are afflicted with this problem know that there is a temporary solution, which is to restart the device. This solution, albeit temporary, can avoid momentary headaches waiting for Google to solve with a fix (perhaps with the January patches?).
Still no Netflix in HD
Another problem still present, despite Google’s promise of a fix in April, is the inability for some Pixel smartphone owners to play HD content on Netflix. This is caused by the fact that the Widevine DRM level has been downgraded to L3. This means that the contents of the platform will be played at a maximum of 540p. Although the American giant has recognized the problem, eight months have passed and a fix has not yet been seen and, considering that devices like Pixel 3 are missing only one update, the situation becomes very serious.
Reports continue to flock, even on Reddit, with users complaining that not even the update to Android 12 was able to solve the problem. As Google had told Android Police that it was working on a fix, many users, despite not being given a timeline, were hoping their phones would get a fix soon, but after eight months, that’s not the case.
The Pixels, like most Google-certified top-of-the-range smartphones, support Widevine L1 in combination with other DRM methods while, in the case of modified or non-certified phones, they can only support L2 or L3. This means that Big G’s smartphones are certified for viewing in HD (and HDR) on Netflix, but cannot enjoy them due to an issue that arose earlier this year and the cause of which is unknown. There have been cases of other devices, such as Xiaomi Mi Pad 5, which still presents problems for different users and, even in this case, there seems to be no DIY solution.
If you are the owner of a third-generation or higher Pixel smartphone, but also of any other Android device and want to check, you can check your DRM level using this app.