Overview
- Google announced HiLight on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as a new array of ambient LEDs built into the Pixel 11 Pro camera bump that lights when the phone is face‑down.
- At launch HiLight has two functions: it glows in assigned contact colors for calls from favorited people and it shows distinct pulse patterns to indicate Gemini listening, thinking, or responding.
- Users can pick one of five colors per contact in the Contacts app, the glow works for calls through Phone by Google and WhatsApp, and tapping the power button dismisses the light during an incoming call.
- Google says HiLight settings let users turn Gemini indicators on or off and that the color choices were selected for visibility, including for people with color‑vision differences.
- HiLight replaces the underused temperature sensor from earlier Pixel Pro models and revives the old notification‑LED idea; Google says it plans more integrations such as Messages but has not confirmed a timetable or third‑party access.