Google's Pixel 11 Fails to Impress with Limited HiLight Feature

The Google Pixel 11 series has been met with lackluster reception, and one feature that's contributing to this disappointment is the HiLight LED panel on the camera bar. Initially touted as a nostalgic nod to early Android era features, the larger size of the LED seemed promising for fun animations and customization.

However, in reality, the functionality of HiLight falls woefully short. With only three toggles available - Use HiLight, Speaking with Gemini, and Calls from favorites - users are left wanting more. The limited capabilities of HiLight have led some to question whether Google thought this was good enough for a flagship feature.

The feature's limitations extend beyond its functionality. Users can customize the colors for favorite contacts, but are only given five options: Teal, Yellow, Pink, Purple, and White. This narrow selection has been criticized as an insultingly low number of color options. Moreover, the absence of messaging notifications from the get-go is puzzling, especially considering Google's promise to add more capabilities over time.

One potential solution lies in opening up HiLight to developers. Android's open approach has allowed users to customize features and create new ones through third-party apps and custom ROMs. By allowing developers to tinker with HiLight, Google could breathe new life into this feature and turn it into a truly unique selling point for the Pixel 11 series.