{
  "id": 905505,
  "title": "Google’s hyped-up RGB HiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro had me excited for nothing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/googles-hyped-up-rgb-hilight-on-the-pixel-11-pro-had-me-excited-for",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-14T20:09:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Trends",
    "slug": "digital-trends",
    "url": "https://www.digitaltrends.com/phones/googles-hyped-up-rgb-hilight-on-the-pixel-11-pro-had-me-excited-for-nothing/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Google's highly anticipated HiLight feature on the Pixel 11 Pro failed to live up to expectations, leaving many disappointed by its limited functionality. Prior to the launch, rumors suggested that HiLight would be an AI interface that glowed when interacting with Gemini, but it turns out to be a simple LED indicator that lights up when speaking to Gemini and in five predetermined colors for favorite contacts. Despite its promise of visual confirmation of a conversation, HiLight fails to provide a more dynamic experience, as it only supports two features and has no third-party app integration. Google's restrictive approach to the feature even omits essential functionalities like battery or charging status indicators. While a color-coded system for customization is suggested, it fails to address the core issue, which is the lack of flexibility in the feature's potential. Google must open up the API to developers and allow users to assign custom colors, add essential indicators, and grant more control over HiLight's functionalities. By doing so, Google can make the RGB light ring on the Pixel 11 Pro more useful and less of a gimmick, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience.",
  "summary": "Google’s HiLight could make notifications less intrusive, but its limited capabilities leave me wanting much more.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Guide",
        "title": "I've found the best Google Pixel 11 preorder deals — save up to $1,300 on any model",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/ive-found-the-best-google-pixel-11-preorder-deals-save-up-to-1-300-on",
        "published": "2026-08-13T21:29:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechRadar",
        "title": "Vodafone AU's handing out free PS5s with every Pixel 11 Pro XL preorder – but you'll need to get in super quick",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/vodafone-aus-handing-out-free-ps5s-with-every-pixel-11-pro-xl",
        "published": "2026-08-14T07:17:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Android Authority",
        "title": "Google Play Store hides Pixel 11 series discounts in plain sight",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/google-play-store-hides-pixel-11-series-discounts-in-plain-sight",
        "published": "2026-08-14T08:58:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Android Police",
        "title": "I refuse to buy a Pixel phone until Google stops treating users like beta testers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/i-refuse-to-buy-a-pixel-phone-until-google-stops-treating-users-like",
        "published": "2026-08-14T12:30:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "9to5Google",
        "title": "Pixel 11 tidbits: The key details you should know about Google’s latest phones",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/pixel-11-tidbits-the-key-details-you-should-know-about-googles-latest",
        "published": "2026-08-14T14:30:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Verge",
        "title": "Google’s best new camera feature is only for the Pixel 11 series",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/googles-best-new-camera-feature-is-only-for-the-pixel-11-series",
        "published": "2026-08-14T17:34:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Mashable",
        "title": "Tech editors react to the Made by Google event and new Pixel device features",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/tech-editors-react-to-the-made-by-google-event-and-new-pixel-device",
        "published": "2026-08-14T20:03:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}