Third-Party App Expands Limited Functionality of Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight Feature

The Google Pixel 11 Pro boasts a new HiLightfeature, exclusive to the Pro models and enabled by removing the temperature sensor from the camera bar. This feature, an array of ambient LED lights around the camera flash, initially offered limited functionality – primarily indicating when Gemini is active and alerting users to calls from favorite contacts. Many users have found it to be a “half-baked” gimmick, lacking substantial utility.

HiLight's Initial Limitations

The HiLight feature generated significant buzz during the Made by Google event, but its current capabilities are considered restrictive. Google’s implementation confines its use to call and text notifications, leaving many users wanting more.

HiLight Studio: A Free Solution

Fortunately, a free third-party app called HiLight Studio, developed by Indian tech creator Dhananjay Tech, is addressing this limitation. The app significantly Expands the functionality of the HiLight LED array, allowing users to customize its behavior with a wide range of applications.

Customization and Features

HiLight Studio enables users to assign specific colors to various third-party apps. For example, users can configure the LED to flash green for WhatsApp notifications, red for Slack, or any other color they choose for Gmail. The app also provides granular control over the light's brightness, intensity, and saturation. Users can also import and export presets, and select from eight preset colors or create custom hues.

Dhananjay Tech highlighted the app's capabilities on Twitter, stating, “Google put a colour LED on the Pixel 11 Pro and limited it to calls and texts. So I made an app, so you can use it with anything. Any app, any colour, any effect you want. WhatsApp green, Slack red, Gmail whatever you like. No ads. No root. Free. Completely open source.”