New Googlebook laptops face screen issue

The Googlebook, a new category of laptops launched by Google, have been available in stores since October 5. However, users have quickly encountered a problem with the OLED screens on several models.

Black appears as dark gray on OLED models

On several OLED models, what should be black appears as dark gray. Android Authority collected testimonials on Reddit on October 14, highlighting this issue. This is particularly embarrassing for an OLED screen, as its main advantage is the ability to display perfect black.

How OLED screens work

On an LCD screen, a backlight remains lit behind the image, even when displaying black. On an OLED screen, each pixel produces its own light and can be turned off completely. This allows for truly black areas and almost infinite contrast.

Visible glow on affected models

On the affected Googlebook models, the pixels remain visibly lit. A software bug rather than a defective screen is the likely cause. The complaints concern at least Acer and Lenovo models of different sizes, indicating that multiple manufacturers may have used questionable screens.

Comparisons with other devices

A Lenovo Googlebook 15 owner compared his PC to a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra tablet. The Googlebook emits a clearly visible gray glow, while the tablet does not. On the Acer Googlebook 14, users even notice the level of black change when adjusting brightness.

Software issue prevents perfect black

Most importantly, several owners have noticed that black is perfect at startup and during setup. It turns gray only once the Googlebook OS, the system built on Android that equips these machines, is loaded. This suggests the screen is capable of displaying black, but the software or firmware is preventing it.

Google acknowledges the problem

Google has confirmed this indirectly. Mishaal Rahman, a community specialist at Google, responded on Reddit that the engineering team had identified the cause and was preparing a fix as soon as possible. However, no details on the source of the bug or a timeline for the fix have been provided.

Most models use OLED screens

Four of the five models in the range have an OLED screen, from Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo. According to Google's comparison sheet, only the Dell XPS Googlebook uses an LCD screen, which is not affected by this problem. However, it is not sold in France.

Google continues to improve features

Google has been releasing patches since the launch. It has already extended its synchronization functions to Samsung phones and promised HDR to models that did not have it. These updates are significant for machines sold from 1,099 to 1,399 euros in France, meant to compete with Windows and Apple laptops.

Return period for buyers

If you are still hesitating to buy a Googlebook, know that the system already runs on Apple M1 Macs thanks to a developer. If you bought it online, watch the calendar. The right of withdrawal lasts 14 days from the delivery date. A Googlebook received on October 5 can therefore be returned until October 19.