Oh, you’ve got your hands on the new 4th-gen thermostat? Sweet! But… is it a bit dim for you? Well, you’re not alone! Many users are grumbling about how hard it is to read the screen, especially when the lights go down.
Now, there’s good news on the horizon. It seems like someone’s finally heard our collective cries. Google is rolling out brightness controls! Let’s dive into what’s going on and what you can expect.
Complaints Rolling In
Ever squinted at your thermostat and felt like you’re reading hieroglyphics? Yeah, it’s not just you. There have been a slew of complaints about the display being just too damn dim, especially at night. It looks like when the thing thinks it’s in a dark room, it decides to go into stealth mode and dims itself to an almost unreadable level.
Even during the day, reflections and generally low levels of brightness make it a chore to decipher what’s on that screen. And no, it’s not your aging eyes, it’s evidently a design flaw.
Wait, No Brightness Control?
What’s really baffling is that this new model doesn’t come with brightness controls. I mean, come on, who thought that’d be a good idea? The previous models had it, so what gives? Well, good news—Google’s stepping in to fix this oversight. They’ve confirmed that brightness controls will be introduced in a future update.
The exact timeframe? Well, they’re keeping mum about it. But at least they’ve acknowledged the issue, so there’s that.
The New Look
The 4th-gen model is the first fresh release in, like, four years. So naturally, it’s got a new, swanky look. It’s sleek, modern, and definitely ups the style game in your smart home setup.
While the aesthetics are on point, the trade-off seems to be this frustrating display issue. A case of beauty over brains? Maybe, but thank heavens for firmware updates, right?
Overall, the design changes are a hit, especially the better weather integration and smarter scheduling for heating and cooling. Those features might save you some cash.
Geared for the US and Canada Only
Now, before you get too excited, know this: for the moment, this shiny new gadget is only available in the USA and Canada. That’s right, our friends across the pond are going to have to wait.
It’s optimized for the heating systems in these two countries, and priced at $279.99 in the US and CA$379.99 in Canada. For everyone else, no word yet on when it’ll roll out globally. So hang tight.
If you’re in the US or Canada, consider yourself lucky. You get first dibs.
Why It Matters
So why does this whole brightness thing even matter? Well, if you’re dropping a pretty penny on a smart thermostat, you’d expect it to work flawlessly, right? A dim screen defeats the purpose of all that “smart” tech crammed in there.
People rely on these screens to keep track of their home’s climate settings, energy use, and other important metrics. If you can’t read the display, you’re flying blind, which is a pain in the neck.
Community Reactions
Users have been vocal about their frustrations, airing their grievances all over social media and review sites. Some have even shared their experiences on forums, describing how the dim display has affected their day-to-day lives.
One user posted, “It’s like trying to read a book by candlelight 🔥. Seriously, fix this!” That’s just one of many similar sentiments echoed across the web. The outcry was loud enough to get Google’s attention, which is a win for consumers.
What’s Next?
So, what’s the next step for you, dear thermostat owner? Just sit tight and keep an eye out for that update. Once the brightness controls roll out, you should be able to adjust the screen to your liking.
Until then, maybe invest in a flashlight? Just kidding, but seriously, it’s a bit of a waiting game now.
At the end of the day, it’s clear that the new thermostat has some kinks to iron out. But at least Google is on the case, promising a fix. Hopefully, the brightness issue gets sorted out sooner rather than later, making this otherwise stellar gadget truly shine.
So, hang in there, keep those eyes peeled for the update, and look forward to a much brighter experience ahead!
Source: Techradar