Google's Pixel 11 Debacle: Has the Tech Giant Abandoned Hardware?

The Pixel 11 series has been met with a lukewarm reception since its launch last week. Critics argue that the new phones offer incremental updates at a hefty price tag, with smaller batteries on some models.

The flagship feature of the Pixel 11 Pro XL and 11 Pro Fold is HiLight, an LED notification light on the back of the phone. However, it's severely limited in its functionality, only allowing users to know who's calling them (if they remember which color has been assigned) and shows that Google Gemini is actively listening.

A hacker has since demonstrated that the feature can be used for more than initially intended, raising questions about why Google didn't implement this from the start. Some speculate that the company may have given up on hardware development in favor of focusing on AI and its Gemini platform.