Google’s Android 12L feature release was delayed for several weeks. Aside from a couple of new Pixel-exclusive additions and overall OS refinements, the update appears to have reduced the phone’s haptic feedback to the point where some users are missing phone notifications.
Google addressed over 70 issues in its March 2022 Android feature release. Users of the Pixel 6/6 Pro have also received Live Captions for calls as well as Night Sight mode in Snapchat. Meanwhile, general OS improvements included the addition of several UI + usability tweaks, such as an app pairs feature, tablet, and foldable optimizations, and a refined widget picker experience.
As part of this update, Google added improved haptics, allowing for more feedback when using the Pixel Launcher app drawer, scrolling through the Recents app menu, and dismissing apps.
However, it appears that in spreading haptics across more parts of the OS, Google has inadvertently reduced vibrations to the point where some users are missing calls and notifications entirely.
According to 9to5Google, several Pixel 6/6 Pro users took to the official Google forum and Reddit to complain about the problem. Despite setting the vibration to maximum, one user reported that they could barely feel it while receiving notifications, while others reported that their Pixel’s haptics had weakened as a result of the update.
Google has yet to respond to this development, but a fix should be available in the coming days or weeks. The Pixel 6 line’s software rollout has been less impressive than the phones themselves, but given the ridiculous amount of features and complexity on Android (or iOS), it’s become more of a norm for updates to fix and break stuff.
