I've been testing Pixel 11 Pro XL for a week — here's why HiLight is the most disappointing new feature

In a recent review, the author tested the Pixel 11 Pro XL and expressed disappointment with the new feature called HiLight. HiLight is an LED that flashes different colors when specific events occur, such as receiving a call from a starred contact or during a conversation with Google Gemini. However, the feature has limited functionality and compatibility issues, making it nearly pointless for many users.

The author points out that HiLight can only flash for two reasons: when talking to Google Gemini or when a starred contact calls. Other types of notifications, like emails and text messages, are not supported. Additionally, HiLight only works when the phone screen is facing down, and it turns off if the phone is tilted too far. This limitation is disappointing, as the feature could have been a standout feature for the Pixel 11 Pro.

The author hopes Google will update HiLight in the future, but the current limitations make it a non-starter. The author believes that with the right updates, HiLight could become a versatile and useful feature, allowing users to keep tabs on notifications without constantly checking their phone screen. However, in its current state, HiLight does not offer much benefit and could disappear into the scrap heap of underutilized phone features.