Unlocking the Full Potential of the Pixel 11’s HiLight Feature with This App

Google’s new HiLight notification LED on the Pixel 11 Pro feels underwhelming. Right out of the box, it only lights up in two scenarios: when the phone is face down while using Gemini or when you receive a call from a favorite contact. Plus, it can only shine in one of five colors! This is a huge missed chance for a feature that was once a favorite on older Android devices, prompting developers to step in where Google has fallen short.

Enter Dhananjay_Tech, who has created an app called HiLight Studio. This app allows you to unleash the full potential of the HiLight LED array. Want to make it pulse in a rainbow of colors for a new Slack notification that includes a specific word? You can do that. How about making it spin in a wave of green for a new text? That’s possible too. You can even customize aspects like cycle timing, brightness, intensity, and saturation.

Unlike the limited official options, HiLight Studio lets you choose from eight preset colors or use a classic color slider for complete control. Plus, it supports importing and exporting presets, making it easy to share your creations with friends.

While the app isn’t available on the Play Store yet, you can download it from GitHub and sideload a couple of apps to get it running. This process involves unlocking developer settings and making a few adjustments on your phone. It may not be as straightforward as a typical app, but for those willing to dive in, it’s definitely worth it. I know I’ll be making the most of this feature!