Trending
Prev Story
Next Story

Google is making Pixel HiLight slightly more useful

The Verge •
November 10, 2026 • 07:00 PM
• By Jay Peters
1
1 reads 0 reactions

A new time to glow.

Google is making Pixel HiLight slightly more useful

The November 2026 Pixel Drop includes a small improvement for the HiLight light and a bunch of software updates.

The November 2026 Pixel Drop includes a small improvement for the HiLight light and a bunch of software updates.

Google is adding a new feature to its underwhelming HiLight light on the back of Pixel 11 Pro phones: as part of the November 2026 Pixel Drop, the light can light up when you get Google Messages texts from your favorite contacts. Sure, it’s a small addition to the disappointing ways you could use HiLight at the Pixel 11 Pro’s August launch , which included glowing when you used Gemini and lighting up for calls from your favorite contacts. But it’s something!

Fortunately, that’s not everything included in the Pixel Drop , as there are a bunch of other new features coming to a wider range of Pixel devices. The “Create My Widget” feature to build a custom widget with a prompt is rolling out to Pixel 11 and Pixel 10 phones. Google is bringing Gemini Intelligence features to Pixel 10 devices, including the Rambler transcription tool. Users with Pixel 11 and Pixel 10 phones will be able to have Gemini make calls on your behalf to help with tasks like making reservations or checking inventory. If you have a Pixel Watch 3 or newer, you’ll be able to see step-by-step instructions during workouts. And users on Pixel 6A phones and newer will be able to take advantage of a new “Family Hub” spot in settings that consolidates family management controls.

Google is also announcing today that its Pixel Tag item tracker is now available . It was originally announced in August .

This is the title for the native ad

This is the title for the native ad

Prev Swipe Story Next

Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 6 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

6 Publications
Ars Technica
3d ago
Pixel phones getting new icon styles, Create My Widget, and more in November Pixel Drop

Pixel phones getting new icon styles, Create My Widget, and more in November Pixel Drop

Spruce up your home screen with expanded custom icons and AI-generated widgets.

#google #pixel
Compare →
TechCrunch
3d ago
Pixel Tag, Google's $30 Android-ready answer to Apple's AirTag, is now available | TechCrunch

Pixel Tag, Google's $30 Android-ready answer to Apple's AirTag, is now available | TechCrunch

Google's Pixel Tag lets you track lost items with your Android device, similar to Apple's AirTag.

#google #pixel
Compare →
Wired
1w ago
My Favorite Android Phones Are on Sale

My Favorite Android Phones Are on Sale

Upgrade to the smartest Android smartphones. Google’s latest Pixel 11 phones are all on sale at their lowest prices to date, well ahead of Black Friday.

#google #pixel
Compare →
The Next Web (TNW)
5h ago
Google's Gemini can now read your Google Wallet to help you budget

Google's Gemini can now read your Google Wallet to help you budget

All US Gemini users can now connect Google Wallet and bank accounts so the chatbot can track spending and spot subscriptions, though it cannot move money.

NPR News
13h ago
Why is Google cutting off Search from AI-free schools? Here are some theories

Why is Google cutting off Search from AI-free schools? Here are some theories

The forthcoming move has left some parents and educators frustrated and wondering about the company's motivations.

CNBC World
1d ago
Microsoft outage hits Outlook. AWS and Google users also report issues

Microsoft outage hits Outlook. AWS and Google users also report issues

Amazon Web Services and Google users also reported outages on Thursday

Related Stories

Technology
Build #2612