Will the Pixel get the notification LED?
It seems Google wants to revive an old smartphone feature, but in a modern twist. According to recent leaks, the company is working on "Pixel Glow" for the upcoming Google Pixel 11 series. Instead of a simple notification LED, you might get an RGB light system that can do more than just blink.
The clues come from software code from an internal diagnostic app. In it, it talks about a light function that can display different colours and asks users to turn their device around to see the effect. That suggests the lighting is on the back, probably around the camera module. So you would be able to see notifications without turning on your screen. Handy if your phone is lying with the display down.
What makes Pixel Glow interesting is its coupling with AI. Internal names like "Gemini Glow" indicate that the light also interacts with the Google Gemini assistant. Think subtle light effects that indicate when the AI is listening or performing a task. So instead of a standard notification, you get visual feedback that provides more context.
In terms of design, little else seems to change from previous models. But small additions like these can make everyday use just a little more practical. Previous smartphones often had a small notification light, but that largely disappeared in recent years. Google now seems to be reinventing that idea, with more emphasis on design and functionality.
Whether Pixel Glow is actually in the final version of the Pixel 11 is not yet certain. Still, its presence in test software suggests the feature is already well advanced. If it goes ahead, you will soon get a smartphone that communicates not only through the screen, but also through a light on the back.
