Google missed the plot with HiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro, but an app just unlocked it

HiLight is one of the standout features of the Pixel 11 series smartphones this year, allowing users to customize LED notification colors. However, Google has kept the system tightly locked, only working with Gemini interactions or as a caller identity for voice calls. Users complained that it was a missed opportunity for customizations.

Yet, there's a fix now. @Dhananjay_Tech (DhananjayBhosale) developed an app called HiLight Studio that unlocks HiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro smartphones completely. HiLight Studio lets users pick from five color options, animate them across all eight built-in LED lights, configure it per-app basis, import/export lighting rules, and respond to quiet hours, do not disturb mode, and low battery controls.

Users can even extend the ambient lighting duration to five minutes, although there are some limitations. If the light is enabled for over 10 seconds, brightness is slightly decreased, and notifications will only flash for a maximum of 60 seconds. Despite not being available on the Google Play Store, users must download the APK package, go through developer settings on their phone, agree to install apps from third-party sources, and enable wireless debugging before setting it up.

The developer warns that long continuous use of the HiLight LEDs hasn't been tested, and custom builds are users' responsibility. While the Pixel 11 series is otherwise solid with features like quick Night Sight, software features, and deep customizations, there are seven Pixel 11 accessories that are worth the money. One such accessory is the Minimal Phone 2, which comes with a 90Hz AMOLED panel, faster hardware, 5G, and better cameras, though it's not a drastic upgrade over the original Pixel 11 model.