Pixel 11 Fails to Impress, Raising Questions About Google's Hardware Commitment

The Pixel 11 series has been met with a lukewarm reception since its launch last week, and opinions are divided on whether Google's new phones have improved enough to warrant their hefty price tags.

While the screens on the Pro-level Pixels are brighter, and there have been some camera tweaks, many are disappointed by the lack of significant hardware upgrades. For example, the Pixel 11 Pro XL and 11 Pro Fold have smaller batteries than before.

The new HiLight feature is also being criticized for its limitations. Initially, it only lets users know who's calling them and shows when Google Gemini is actively listening to them. However, a hack has since proven that it can be used for much more.

Some are questioning whether Google has given up on hardware innovation in favor of focusing solely on AI development. The company has pumped billions into its Gemini platform, making it difficult to change course now. This shift in focus may have contributed to the lack of significant upgrades in the Pixel 11 series.