Google made Android 17’s best feature a Pixel 11-exclusive. This free app does it better
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The HiLight Studio app, developed by tech content creator @Dhananjay_Tech (DhananjayBhosale), unlocks the potential of the HiLight RGB light module on the Google Pixel 11 Pro. This feature, which received attention before the Pixel 11 Pro's announcement, is primarily tied to Gemini interactions and calls from favorite contacts. HiLight Studio enables third-party apps to interact with the HiLight module, providing various effects such as Rainbow, Random, Comet, Pulse, Breathe, and Wave.
Users can also set HiLight to glow during notifications from specific apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Teams, Gmail, or Slack. However, enabling wireless debugging, a requirement for using the app, restricts access to banking and payment apps due to security concerns. The app's installation process involves installing Shizuku, a tool that allows third-party apps to access first-party system permissions, which is only available on Android 16 devices and requires sideloading on Android 17 devices.
Additionally, the app has been linked to the RedHook malware, limiting its accessibility. Despite these challenges, HiLight Studio demonstrates the untapped potential of the HiLight module, suggesting that Google could enhance the feature through native, system-level implementation for wider user utility.
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