{
  "id": 778710,
  "title": "Pixel 11 Pro’s ‘HiLight’ missed its opportunity to be the perfect notification LED",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/pixel-11-pros-hilight-missed-its-opportunity-to-be-the-perfect",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-13T15:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Google",
    "slug": "9to5google",
    "url": "https://9to5google.com/2026/08/13/pixel-11-hilight-missed-opportunity-to-be-a-perfect-notification-light/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Pixel 11 Pro's \"HiLight\" feature, designed to provide visual notifications, did not live up to its potential. The only noticeable hardware change on the device's exterior is the camera LED, which doubles as a notification light. Despite its capabilities, the feature fell short of expectations. Google's HiLight is intended to signal various phone actions, such as receiving notifications or interacting with Gemini. For example, an incoming call would light up with a preset color for the contact, while a Gemini answer would display Google's signature blues and reds. However, this is just a fraction of what HiLight could offer. Imagine an Instagram notification causing a small mosaic to appear over the camera bar, with the HiLight LED glowing in hues that match the Instagram logo. The feature has the potential to create visually appealing \"light shows,\" akin to Philips Hue's color-changing capabilities. Google has confirmed that Messages will utilize HiLight notifications in the future, but it remains unclear if other apps will follow suit. The rear light is equipped with multicolor LEDs, which work well with Google's Gemini integration. Yet, even call notifications are limited to a solid color block. Google could have expanded the feature beyond simple colors for contacts, such as using colored notifications for spam calls or during Call Screening sessions. This would help users identify spam callers or check the outcomes of active call screenings. Unfortunately, Google has only implemented HiLight for its AI assistant and calls, leaving out messages and calls. The feature's limitations seem unnecessary, as it was initially considered an evolution of the LED notifications found in phones like the LG G3. Google had the chance to expand on this idea, but it failed to capitalize on the opportunity.",
  "summary": "The Pixel 11 doesn’t carry much of a different look, and the only major hardware change happening on the exterior could be glossed over without a second thought. Pixel 11’s HiLight hides in the camera LED and acts like a notification light when your phone is turned over. But it isn’t what I expected.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight feature underperformed expectations",
    "HiLight intended for various notifications, not fully realized",
    "Google limited HiLight to AI assistant and calls, missed opportunities"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Google Blog",
        "title": "Get updates while your Pixel 11 Pro is face down with HiLight.",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/get-updates-while-your-pixel-11-pro-is-face-down-with-hilight",
        "published": "2026-08-13T16:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}