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9to5google
Pixel 11 Pro's 'HiLight' missed its opportunity to be the perfect notification LED
The Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight feature, integrated into the camera LED, aims to provide notifications but falls short of expectations. While it can signal calls using fixed colors, its integration with third-party applications remains limited. Users anticipated a more vibrant capability akin to Philips Hue lighting for notifications, yet currently, it only offers solid colors. Google has announced plans for messaging integration, yet broader app support is uncertain, leading to disappointment among early adopters.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizon
Published 13 Aug 2026, 16:25 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- HiLight acts as a notification LED using the camera light.
- Only supports basic color-coded notifications for calls.
- No dynamic alerts for apps like Instagram or Reddit yet.
- Future updates may include integration with messages.
- Limited in its current state, lacking broader functionality.
Interesting facts
- HiLight was expected to evolve from traditional LED notifications.
- The feature replaces a temperature sensor in the design.
- Users desire more sophisticated visual notifications beyond solid colors.