Google’s Pixel 11 Pro series introduces an innovative “HiLight” LED system, designed to enhance user interaction through visual notifications. Positioned around the camera’s flash, this LED array serves a dual purpose: it alerts users to calls from their favorite contacts and signals activity during Gemini conversations. However, the initial functionality is somewhat limited, prompting users to seek more robust options.
For those willing to explore, the open-source HiLight Studio app emerges as a powerful tool to unlock the full potential of the HiLight LED. Developed by Dhananjay Bhosale, a YouTuber turned developer, this app allows users to customize the LED’s behavior extensively. With HiLight Studio, notifications can be tailored to any app, offering a variety of light patterns including comet, pulse, and rainbow effects.
Users can easily set up HiLight Studio by sideloading its APK and utilizing Shizuku for permission management. The installation process involves a few steps:
- Download Shizuku from the Play Store.
- Launch Shizuku and initiate it via Wireless debugging, following the pairing instructions.
- Open HiLight Studio, navigate to Setup > Request access, and grant the necessary permissions when prompted.
Once configured, HiLight Studio allows for granular control over notification settings. Users can assign specific colors to different apps, create custom light patterns, and even save presets for future use. The app respects Do Not Disturb settings and includes features to pause functionality during low battery conditions, ensuring a balanced user experience.
Exploring HiLight Studio’s Features
My colleague Adamya Sharma recently tested HiLight Studio on her Pixel 11 Pro XL. While the installation presented some challenges—particularly with ADB commands and navigating Android’s security features—she ultimately found the app to deliver on its promises. The ability to create unique color presets and customize LED responses for individual apps stood out as particularly impressive.
HiLight Studio offers six distinct effects: Rainbow, Random, Comet, Pulse, Breathe, and Wave. Users can select from a palette of colors, adjusting saturation and brightness to craft personalized notifications. The app also allows for setting specific rules for how the HiLight responds to notifications, with options to extend the LED’s active time beyond the default 30 seconds.
However, it’s worth noting that Adamya encountered a significant issue post-installation; the base HiLight functionality ceased to work properly. After removing the app and restarting her device, the original LED notifications resumed as expected. This experience highlights a potential conflict between the app and the built-in features, suggesting that while HiLight Studio enhances customization, it may inadvertently disrupt core functionalities for some users.
Despite this caveat, HiLight Studio exemplifies the untapped potential of the Pixel 11 Pro’s LED system, raising questions about why Google did not provide such flexibility from the outset. As users continue to seek greater control over their devices, apps like HiLight Studio may pave the way for a more personalized smartphone experience.
