Google is making Pixel HiLight slightly more useful

is a senior reporter covering technology, gaming, and more. He joined The Verge in 2019 after nearly two years at Techmeme.

Google is adding a new feature to its underwhelming HiLight light on the back of Pixel 11 Pro phones: as part of the November 2026 Pixel Drop, the light can light up when you get Google Messages texts from your favorite contacts. Sure, it’s a small addition to the disappointing ways you could use HiLight at the Pixel 11 Pro’s August launch, which included glowing when you used Gemini and lighting up for calls from your favorite contacts. But it’s something!

Fortunately, that’s not everything included in the Pixel Drop, as there are a bunch of other new features coming to a wider range of Pixel devices. The “Create My Widget” feature to build a custom widget with a prompt is rolling out to Pixel 11 and Pixel 10 phones. Google is bringing Gemini Intelligence features to Pixel 10 devices, including the Rambler transcription tool. Users with Pixel 11 and Pixel 10 phones will be able to have Gemini make calls on your behalf to help with tasks like making reservations or checking inventory. If you have a Pixel Watch 3 or newer, you’ll be able to see step-by-step instructions during workouts. And users on Pixel 6A phones and newer will be able to take advantage of a new “Family Hub” spot in settings that consolidates family management controls.

Google is also announcing today that its Pixel Tag item tracker is now available. It was originally announced in August.

Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.