Google is making Pixel HiLight slightly more useful

<figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Pixel-11-Pro-HiLight-using-HiLight-Studio-Rainbow.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">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 <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/981713/google-pixel-11-pro-review">August launch</a>, which included glowing when you used Gemini and lighting up for <em>calls</em> from your favorite contacts. But it's something!</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fortunately, that's not everything included in <a href="https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/devices/pixel/november-2026-pixel-drop/">the Pixel Drop</a>, as there are a bunch of other new features coming to a wider range of Pixel devices. The "Create My Widget" feature to buil …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1031089/google-pixel-drop-november-2026-hilight">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>